Deities: Lord HanumanLocation: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Best time to visit: September to November
STD Code: 0177
No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. At the centre of the town in Shimla is the ancient Temple for Lord Hanuman.
This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. This temple is dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 m. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views over the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped peaks, and over Shimla itself. Jakhu is also a beautiful spot to see the morning sun rise and sun set. Appropriately, there are many monkeys around the temple.
It is said to be existing from the times of Ramayana and is said to be formed when lord Hanuman visited Jakhu hill. As per legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama - Ravana fight. Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight and the only medicinal herb “Sanjivani” which could have saved his life was available in the Himalayan range.
Hanuman came to Himalayas, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he dug out the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshman waiting for him. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu hills, and the top of the mountain got flat by his and mountain’s weight.
The temple of Jakhu has since been highly revered by the locals. The shrine of the temple is the foot prints of Hanuman. In most of the Hanuman temples in India. There are hundreds of monkeys in and around the temple. Though mostly very peaceful, they can attack a person, if provocated. Pilgrims offer them eatables, which they readily accept.
Ravana, the king of Lanka. The faithful nature of Hanuman is often illustrated by his representations being found guarding forts and palace entrances. The British never placed hanuman on top of Jakhu hill to guard the township. The temple site predates the British Raj.
How to reach:
by Air: Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 kms from city and is connected to Chandigarh, Kullu, and Delhi.
by Rail: Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs from Kalka to reach Shimla.
by Road: Shimla is connected by road to all the major towns.
Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).
If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.
Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.
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