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Jakhu Temple, Shimla
Hanuman · Highest Point of Shimla · Himachal Pradesh
॥ ॐ हनुमते नमः ॥
The Jakhu Temple crowns the highest hill of Shimla, a Hanuman shrine wrapped in deodar forest and watched over by a 108-foot statue of the lord that towers above the town. Tradition holds that Hanuman paused on this peak while flying to fetch the life-giving Sanjeevani herb, and the hilltop has been sacred to him ever since.
Where Hanuman rested
By legend, as Hanuman flew through the night to bring the Sanjeevani herb that would save Lakshmana, he alighted on this peak to ask the way of a meditating sage, and the print of his coming remained. The Jakhu (from Yaaku, the sage) temple marks that spot, and the lord is worshipped on the summit amid the cedars and the troops of monkeys held to be his own.
The towering statue
In 2010 a great statue of Hanuman, some one hundred and eight feet tall, was raised at the temple, visible from across Shimla and from far down the valleys — for a time the tallest image of the lord in the world. It stands above the old shrine on the forested ridge, a landmark of the hill station.
A climb through the cedars
The temple is reached by a steep walk up through deodar forest from the Ridge of Shimla, or by road and a ropeway that now serves the summit. Hanuman Jayanti is the great festival, and the cool, forested height draws pilgrims and visitors through the year for the lord and the wide Himalayan views.
How to reach the temple
- By road/walk: the temple is about 2 km from the Ridge in Shimla, reached on foot up the hill or by road and ropeway.
- By train: Shimla, on the Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge line, is the nearest railhead.
- By air: Shimla (Jubbarhatti) airport is the nearest; Chandigarh is the larger hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legend of Jakhu Temple?
Tradition holds that Hanuman paused on this peak while flying to fetch the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana, asking the way of a meditating sage; the temple marks that spot.
How tall is the Hanuman statue?
The statue raised at Jakhu in 2010 is about 108 feet tall, visible across Shimla and for a time the tallest image of Hanuman in the world.
Where is the Jakhu Temple?
It crowns Jakhu Hill, the highest point of Shimla, about 2 km from the Ridge, amid deodar forest.
How do I reach the temple?
It is reached on foot up the hill from the Ridge, or by road and a ropeway; Shimla on the Kalka–Shimla line is the nearest railhead.
What about the monkeys?
The forested summit is home to troops of monkeys held sacred as Hanuman’s own; visitors are advised to guard belongings and food.
What is the main festival?
Hanuman Jayanti is the great festival at the hilltop shrine.
॥ जय बजरंगबली ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Hanuman |
| Setting | Jakhu Hill — highest point of Shimla |
| Special | 108-foot Hanuman statue (2010) |
| Legend | Hanuman rested here fetching the Sanjeevani herb |
| Access | Walk up the ridge or ropeway |
| Main Festival | Hanuman Jayanti |