Jakhu temple Shimla
Exploring the Beauty of Jakhu Temple, Shimla is a beautiful hill station, and one place you absolutely must visit is Jakhu Temple. It’s famous for a few things: its stunning location on top of Jakhu Hill, its religious importance, and many playful monkeys!
Why Visit Jakhu Temple?
- Amazing Views: Being the highest peak in Shimla, Jakhu Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. You can see the whole town of Shimla spread out below – it’s a photographer’s dream!
- Lord Hanuman Connection: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a significant figure in Hindu mythology. Legend says that Lord Hanuman rested here while searching for the Sanjeevani herb.
- Giant Hanuman Statue: You can’t miss Lord Hanuman’s massive 108-foot-tall statue standing tall and majestic. It’s visible from many parts of Shimla and is an impressive sight.
- Meet the Monkeys! Jakhu Temple is home to a large population of monkeys. They are used to visitors, so you’ll see them roaming freely. Just be careful with your belongings, as they can be cheeky and might try to snatch food or shiny objects.
What to Expect When You Visit:
Getting to Jakhu Temple is an adventure in itself! You have a few options:
- Walk: If you feel energetic, you can hike to the temple. It’s a well-marked path, but it can be steep in places, taking around 30-45 minutes.
- Taxi/Auto-rickshaw: You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to take you closer to the top. They will usually drop you off a short walk from the temple entrance.
- Take the Jakhu Ropeway. For a fun and scenic ride, take the Jakhu Ropeway. It offers fantastic views as you ascend to the temple.
Once you reach the temple, you’ll find a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere Exploring the Beauty of Jakhu Temple, Shimla. You can offer your prayers, admire the intricate architecture, and soak in the serene environment.
Jakhu Temple Shimla history
Shimla, the charming hill station, is famous for its beautiful views and colonial architecture. But tucked away on Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, stands a temple with a fascinating history: the Jakhu Temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a landmark steeped in local legends and historical connections.
The Legend of the Sanjeevani Booti
The most popular story linked to Jakhu Temple returns to the epic Ramayana. According to the tale, Lord Hanuman was on a mission to find the Sanjeevani Booti, a magical herb needed to save the life of Lakshmana, Lord Rama’s brother, who was injured in battle.
As Hanuman flew over the Himalayas, he rested on this hill for a while. It’s believed that the impressions of his feet are still preserved at the temple. After resting, Hanuman continued his journey to find a life-saving herb.
A Temple Through Time
While the exact date of the temple’s construction isn’t definitively known, local beliefs suggest that the original structure was quite ancient. Over the centuries, the temple has likely undergone several renovations and expansions.
What stands today is a vibrant and significant religious site. The towering 108-foot-high statue of Lord Hanuman, which was unveiled in 2010, is a relatively recent addition but has quickly become an important attraction, visible from almost every corner of Exploring the Beauty of Jakhu Temple, Shimla.
More Than Just a Temple
Jakhu Temple isn’t just historically significant but deeply ingrained in the local culture. Devotees visit the temple throughout the year to offer prayers and seek blessings. The annual Dussehra festival sees a large gathering of people at the temple, further highlighting its importance in the community.
Beyond its religious significance, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Shivalik mountain ranges. The trek up to the temple, whether on foot, by pony, or via the ropeway, is an experience offering glimpses of Shimla’s natural beauty.
Jakhu Temple Shimla timings
Knowing the times to plan your visit smoothly is a good idea.
What Time is Jakhu Temple Open?
Generally, Jakhu Temple is open throughout the day. You can visit the temple during these hours:
- Opening Time: Usually around 6:00 AM.
- Closing Time: Typically around 8:00 PM.
This means you have a wide window of time to visit the temple and offer your prayers or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning scenery.
Are the Timings the Same Every Day?
Yes, for the most part, the opening and closing timings of Jakhu Temple remain the same on all days of the week, including weekends and public holidays. This makes it easier for tourists and locals to plan their visit without worrying about different schedules.
Essential Things to Keep in Mind:
- Festivals and Special Occasions: The timings might be slightly adjusted during major Hindu festivals like Hanuman Jayanti or other important religious events. Sometimes, the temple might open earlier or later to accommodate the increased number of devotees. If you are visiting during a festival, it’s always a good idea to check with local sources or your hotel for any specific changes in timings.
- Travel Time: Remember the time it takes to reach Jakhu Temple. It’s located on Jakhu Hill, about 2 kilometres from the Ridge in Shimla. You can walk (which takes around 30-45 minutes uphill), hire a taxi, or take a pony ride. Factor in this travel time when planning your visit, especially if you want to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Best Time to Visit: While the temple is open throughout the day, many people prefer to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. The weather is usually cooler during these times, making the walk or ride more comfortable. Plus, you can enjoy beautiful sunrise or sunset views from the hilltop.
FAQS
1) Why is Jakhu Temple so famous?
Jakhu Temple is famous for its ancient connection to the Ramayana, where Lord Hanuman rested while searching for the Sanjeevani herb. It’s also home to a towering 108-foot Hanuman statue, offering stunning views of Shimla and attracting devotees and tourists alike.
2) How to reach Jakhu Temple from Shimla?
You can reach Jakhu Temple from Shimla by:
- Walking: A 2 km uphill trek from The Ridge (takes 30-45 minutes).
- Taxi/Cab: Hire one from the city centre (15-20 minutes).
- Ropeway: A 5-minute scenic ride from near The Ridge.
- Pony: Available for hire for the uphill journey.
3) What is the ticket price of Jakhu Temple?
The Jakhu Temple doesn’t have an entry fee; it’s free for everyone to visit. However, if you choose to use the Jakhu Ropeway to reach the temple, there are ticket charges. A round trip on the ropeway costs approximately ₹470 for adults and ₹390-₹400 for children (3-12 years). Children below 3 years usually ride for free.
4) How much is the taxi fare from Shimla to Jakhu Temple?
The taxi fare from Shimla to Jakhu Temple is approximately ₹300. This is a one-way trip from the city centre (The Ridge or Mall Road) to the temple, about 2.5 kilometres away. Remember that prices might vary slightly depending on the taxi service and the time of year.
5) Who built the Hanuman statue in Shimla?
The Hanuman statue in Shimla’s Jakhu Temple was built by Nikhil Nanda, the Managing Director of JHS Svendgaard Laboratories Ltd., and inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal, in 2010. It was a gift from the HC Nanda Charitable Trust.
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