Jakhu HanumanTemple, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Hanumanji’s feet were lying here
The temple of Hanumanji located at Jakhu in the major hill station Shimla is world famous. This temple belongs to Tretayuga and here there is a self-manifested statue of Bajrangbali. Later a sage named Yaksha built a temple here. This name of Yaksha kept changing from Yaksha to Yak, Yak to Yaku and from Yaku to Jakhu. Today this temple is known as Hanuman Temple of Jakhu.
It is said about this temple situated at a height of 8048 feet above sea level that during the Ramayana period, when Hanumanji was going through the sky to collect Sanjeevani Booti, his eyes fell on the Yaksha Rishi who was doing penance here. They landed here and took information about Sanjeevani. Hanumanji promised the sage to stay here on his return. From here Hanumanji went towards Drona mountain as per the advice of the sage.On the way, a demon Kalanemi blocked their way and they fought. Due to this Hanumanji got delayed. Hanumanji took the herb and returned via the shorter route to unconscious Lakshman. On the other side, Hanumanji fulfilled his promise by appearing in the form of an earth-manifested idol to the sage Yaksha who was waiting for his return. Later Yaksha Rishi built a temple of Hanumanji here. Marks were made on the ground when Hanuman ji placed his feet here, his footprints have been made of marble there.
The identity of this temple is the 108 feet high statue of Hanumanji installed in 2010. Such a tall statue installed at a height of 8000 feet above sea level is probably the only one in the world. Along with this, it is the second tallest statue in the country. It has been established by Nanda Trust of Delhi. This statue is visible from a distance of 25 kilometers in Shimla when the weather is clear. There are many monkeys in the temple premises. Many times they snatch the belongings of visitors. Visitors consider it a virtue to give them food items.
Darshan timings in the temple:
The temple remains open from 6 am to 8 pm.
