Are you looking for a spiritual and scenic destination in Shimla, the queen of hill stations? If yes, then you should not miss Jakhu Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. Jakhu Temple is located on the highest peak of Shimla, Jakhu Hill, and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is also home to a 108-feet tall statue of Hanuman, which is visible from most parts of Shimla.
The temple also has a large population of monkeys, who are considered to be the descendants of Hanuman. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know before visiting Jakhu Temple, such as its history, significance, features, accessibility, tips, and nearby attractions.
How to Reach Jakhu Temple
Jakhu Temple is about 2.5 km from the center of Shimla and can be reached by various modes of transport. You can take a taxi or a pony from The Ridge or Mall Road, which are the main streets of Shimla. The taxi fare is around INR 300 and the pony ride is around INR 200. You can also trek to Jakhu Temple from The Ridge, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The trek is steep and uphill, but rewarding with scenic views and fresh air.
However, the best way to reach Jakhu Temple is by taking the ropeway/cable car service that connects Jakhu Temple with The Ridge. The ropeway was inaugurated in 2017 and is one of the latest attractions in Shimla. It offers a thrilling and comfortable ride with breathtaking views of Shimla and the Himalayas. The ropeway has a capacity of six passengers per cabin and takes about five minutes to reach Jakhu Temple. The ticket price for the ropeway is INR 250 for adults and INR 200 for children (3-12 years). Children below 3 years are free. The ropeway operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
What to See and Do at Jakhu Temple
Jakhu Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Shimla. It was built by sage Yaaku in honor of Lord Hanuman’s visit to Jakhu Hill during the Ramayana era. According to the legend, when Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana was wounded by a powerful arrow during the war with Ravana, Hanuman was sent to fetch the Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to revive him.
On his way, he met sage Yaaku on Jakhu Hill, who helped him identify the herb. Hanuman promised to return and meet the sage after completing his mission, but he was delayed by a fight with a demon named Kalnemi. To reach Lanka on time, he took a shortcut and skipped meeting Yaaku. The sage was disappointed and decided to visit Hanuman himself. As he left, an idol of Hanuman appeared on the hill by itself. Yaaku then built a temple there to honor Hanuman’s visit.
The architecture of Jakhu Temple is based on the traditional Kath kuni style of Himachal Pradesh, which uses wood and stone as the main materials. The temple has a conical roof with wooden carvings and metal embellishments. The temple complex also has a small museum that displays paintings and sculptures related to Hanuman and Ramayana.
The main attraction inside the temple complex is the idol of Hanuman, which is believed to have miraculous powers. The idol is adorned with colorful clothes and ornaments and has a silver umbrella over its head. The idol also has the footprints of Hanuman and sage Yaaku on its pedestal. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to Hanuman and seek his blessings.
The main attraction outside the temple complex is the statue of Hanuman, which stands tall at 108 feet (33 meters). It is one of the tallest statues of Hanuman in the world and was inaugurated in 2010 by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. The statue is made of steel and brass and weighs about 1,500 tons. It has a bright orange color and can be seen from a distance of up to 8 km. The statue symbolizes Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama and his strength and courage.
Also check out: Jakhu Temple – Temple with world’s highest Hanuman Statue in Shimla
Other activities you can enjoy at Jakhu Temple
Enjoying the views of Shimla and the Himalayas:
Jakhu Temple offers stunning views of Shimla cityscape and its landmarks, such as Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, etc. You can also see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range, such as Churdhar, Kinner Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, etc. The views are especially spectacular during sunrise and sunset, when the sky changes colors and the city lights up.
Feeding or playing with the monkeys:
Jakhu Temple is famous for its large population of monkeys, who are friendly and curious. They are considered to be the descendants of Hanuman and are revered by the locals. You can feed them bananas, peanuts, or biscuits, but be careful not to provoke them or touch them. They can be aggressive and snatch your belongings, such as sunglasses, hats, bags, etc. You can also watch them play and jump around the temple premises.
Taking selfies or photos with the statue or the temple:
Jakhu Temple is a photogenic place and offers many opportunities for capturing memorable moments. You can take selfies or photos with the statue of Hanuman, which is a unique and impressive sight. You can also take photos with the temple, which has a beautiful and intricate design. You can also capture the views of Shimla and the Himalayas from different angles and perspectives.
Tips and Precautions for Visiting Jakhu Temple
Before visiting Jakhu Temple, you should keep in mind some tips and precautions to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
The best time to visit Jakhu Temple is during the months of March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and clear. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to August), when the roads are slippery and the views are foggy. Also avoid visiting during the winter season (December to February), when the temperature is very low and there is a risk of snowfall and landslides.
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day. There is no entry fee for the temple, but there is a ticket price for the ropeway, which is INR 250 for adults and INR 200 for children (3-12 years). Children below 3 years are free.
Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when entering the temple. They should also remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. There are lockers available at the temple entrance where you can store your shoes and belongings for a nominal charge.
Visitors should be careful with their belongings as there are many monkeys at Jakhu Temple who can be aggressive and snatch them. They should also avoid feeding or teasing them as they can bite or scratch. If you encounter any trouble with the monkeys, you can seek help from the temple staff or the security guards.
Visitors should carry some water and snacks as there are no shops or restaurants near Jakhu Temple. They should also dispose of their waste properly and avoid littering.
Other Nearby Attractions
If you have some extra time after visiting Jakhu Temple, you can also explore some other nearby attractions or activities that can make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Some of them are:
The Ridge:
The Ridge is a large open space in the heart of Shimla that offers a lively atmosphere with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. It is also a venue for cultural events and festivals, such as Summer Festival, Winter Carnival, etc. It is located about 2 km from Jakhu Temple and can be reached by ropeway or taxi.
The Mall Road:
The Mall Road is a pedestrian-only street that runs parallel to The Ridge. It is a popular shopping destination with many branded stores, local shops, handicrafts stalls, etc. It is also a place to enjoy street food, ice cream, coffee, etc. It is located about 2.5 km from Jakhu Temple and can be reached by ropeway or taxi.
Christ Church:
Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in India and a prominent landmark of Shimla. It was built in 1857 in Gothic style and has a beautiful stained glass window depicting faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humility. It is located about 2 km from Jakhu Temple and can be reached by ropeway or taxi.
Shimla Heritage Walk:
Shimla Heritage Walk is a guided tour that covers some of the historical and architectural sites of Shimla, such as Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, Scandal Point, Gorton Castle, etc. It is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Shimla and admire its colonial charm. It is located about 3 km from Jakhu Temple and can be reached by ropeway or taxi.
Jakhu Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and scenic side of Shimla. It is a place where you can witness the glory of Lord Hanuman and the beauty of Shimla in one go. Whether you are a devotee, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, you will find something to suit your taste at Jakhu Temple.
You may also like to check out: Jakhoo Temple - World's tallest statue at the highest elevation in Shimla
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful for planning your visit to Jakhu Temple. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy travelling!
