Jakhu Temple Shimla

Introduction to the Jakhu Temple

Jakhu Temple, or Hanuman Mandir, is at the highest peak of Shimla, at 8,000 feet above sea level. The temple houses Hanuman, also known as Pawan Putra. It attracts devotees and tourists alike.

Legend of the Jakhu Temple

According to the legend, a poisoned arrow injured Sri Rama's brother, Lakshmana, when he was fighting in the battle with King Ravana. Hanuman came to the Himalayas in search of the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana.

Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman could not find the Sanjeevani herb. Hence, he dug up the entire mountain and flew back with it to Lanka. After Lakshmana was healed, Hanuman returned to keep the mountain in its original place.

During the journey, he rested on Jakhu Hill for some time. It is believed that the hilltop became flattened due to Hanuman's weight.

The Architecture of the Jakhu Temple

The Jakhu Temple stands among the thick Deodar and Alpine trees, and monkeys are abundant in and around the Jakhu Hill area.

There are paintings and murals inside the Jakhu Temple displaying the feats of Hanuman during Ramayana. The 108-foot-high idol of Hanuman, installed here in 2010, is a beautiful sight that draws a huge crowd of devotees and tourists to Jakhu Temple. The Hanuman statue sparkles at night, and people can see it anywhere from Shimla. There are sculptures of deities, females in welcoming posture, and diyas inscribed on the pillars and walls of the Jakhu Temple. The Jakhu Temple has what are believed to be the footprints of Hanuman.

Shimla's first ropeway connects the center of Shimla to the Jakhu Temple. Jagsons International Limited started this project in 2017 and is still managing it. The ropeway covers an 8 km distance and reaches the temple within five minutes. Each ropeway can carry only six persons at once.
Jakhu Ropeway Ticket (one way) charges are Rs. 250 for adults; Rs.200 for children between 3 and 12 years. There is no entry fee for children below three years. The ropeway ride to Jakhu Temple is available from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. Jakhu ropeway is one of the four significant attractions of Himachal Pradesh. A park has now been built near the Jakhu Temple.

Devotees and tourists can visit the Jakhu Temple in the summer between March and June and in winter from September to January.

Festivals in the Jakhu Temple

The Jakhu Temple enthusiastically celebrates Dussehra, commemorating Hanuman's heroic feat in the epic Ramayana. Dussehra is observed as Rama's victory over Ravana.