जाखू मन्दिर का इतिहास

शिमला नगर के ऐतिहासिक जाखू पर्वत के शिखर पर श्री हनुमान जी का प्राचीन मन्दिर है। ऐसी मान्यता है कि लंका के युद्ध में मेघनाथ द्वारा शक्ति बाण लगने पर मुर्च्छित लक्ष्मण को बचाने के लिए जब श्री हनुमान जी आकाश मार्ग से संजीवनी बूटी लेने के लिए हिमालय की ओर द्रुतगति से आ रहे थे। तो अचानक उनकी दृष्टि जाखू पर्वत पर तपस्या लीन यक्ष ऋषि पर पड़ी। कालान्तर से उनके नाम पर ही ( यक्ष + याक + याकू - जावू) इस स्थान का नाम जाखू पड़ा ।

संजीवनी बूटी का परिचय जानने के लिए हनुमान जी यहां पर उतर गए। उनके वेग से जाखू पर्वत जो पहले काफी ऊंचा था, आधा पृथ्वी के गर्भ में समा गया। बूटी का परिचय प्राप्त करने के उपरान्त श्री हनुमान जी अपना साध्य प्राप्ति के लिए द्रोण पर्वत की ओर चले गए, जिस स्थान पर हनुमान जी उतरे थे वहां पर आज भी उनके चरण चिन्हों को मन्दिर के पीछे एक कुटिया में संगमरमर से निर्मित करके सुरक्षित रखा गया है। ऋषि को वापसी में इसी स्थान से लौटने का वचन देकर हनुमान जी मार्ग में कालनेमी के कुचक में अधिक समय नष्ट होने के कारण श्री हनुमान जी छोटे मार्ग होते हुए चले गए, प्रतीक्षारत ऋषि श्री हनुमान जी के न लौटने पर व्याकुल हो गए। उस समय हनुमान जी ने ऋषि को दर्शन दिए और न आने का कारण बताया। उनके अर्न्तध्यान होने के तुरन्त बाद एक स्वयंभू मूर्ति प्रकट हुई जो आज भी मन्दिर में विद्यमान है। यक्ष ऋषि ने हनुमान जी की स्मृति को विद्यमान रखने के लिए इस मन्दिर का निर्माण किया। तदोपरान्त ऋषि अपनी चरण - पादुकाएं स्मृति चिन्ह यहां छोड़कर अदृश्य हो गए।

तब से आज तक यह मन्दिर यहां पर विद्यमान है। श्री हनुमान जी का जो भक्त सच्चे मन से इस मन्दिर में पूजा पाठ करता है, श्री हनुमान जी उनके सकल मनोरथ पूर्ण करते हैं तथा दुष्टों को संहार करके भक्तों की रक्षा करते हैं।

🛕 Shri Hanuman Ji’s Visit to Jakhu Hill, Shimla: A Divine Stop in a Celestial Mission

High above the misty ridges of Shimla, the tranquil hill station nestled in the Himalayas, lies Jakhu Hill, the tallest point in the city, rising 8,054 feet above sea level. Today, it is crowned by the revered Jakhu Temple, a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to Shri Hanuman Ji, the divine vanara (monkey god) of the Ramayana.

But this temple isn’t just a site of devotion — it is believed to stand upon sacred ground where Lord Hanuman himself once paused mid-air, during one of the most urgent and heroic moments in the Ramayana. The hill holds deep mythological, spiritual, and cultural significance, echoing the divine footsteps of Hanuman Ji as he journeyed with the mountain of life-saving herbs.

📖 The Ramayana Episode: The Quest for Sanjeevani

On the summit of the historic Jakhu Hill in the city of Shimla stands an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to legend, during the battle of Lanka, when Lakshmana was struck unconscious by Meghnath's powerful weapon (Shakti Baan), Lord Hanuman flew towards the Himalayas via the aerial route to fetch the Sanjeevani herb to save him.

While flying at great speed, Hanuman’s gaze fell upon a Yaksha Rishi (sage) who was immersed in deep meditation on Jakhu Hill. Over time, the name of this place is believed to have originated from the sage’s presence (Yaksha + Yak + Yaku → Jaku → Jakhu).

🕉️ Why Hanuman Ji Landed on Jakhu Hill

To obtain information about the Sanjeevani herb, Lord Hanuman descended upon this hill. Such was the force of his landing that the once-tall Jakhu Hill sank halfway into the earth. After acquiring the necessary information, Hanuman swiftly proceeded towards the Dronagiri Mountain to accomplish his mission. At the very spot where Lord Hanuman had descended, his footprints have been preserved to this day in a small marble hut behind the temple.

Before leaving, Hanuman had promised the sage that he would return by the same path. However, due to being delayed by the deceit of Kalnemi along the way, Hanuman instead returned through a shorter route. The sage, waiting for Hanuman’s return, became restless and anxious. At that moment, Lord Hanuman appeared before the sage and explained the reason for not returning via the same path.

📿 Divine Footprints and Sacred Signs

Immediately after Hanuman ji vanished, a self-manifested idol (Swayambhu Murti) appeared at the site, which is still enshrined in the temple today. To honor and preserve the memory of Lord Hanuman’s presence, the Yaksha Rishi established the temple. He then left behind his holy footwear (padukas) as a token of his presence and disappeared from the physical world.

Since then, the temple has stood firm on this sacred hill. It is believed that whoever prays at this temple with true devotion, Lord Hanuman fulfills all their wishes, protects them from evil, and blesses them with strength and courage.

One of the most sacred beliefs associated with Jakhu Hill is that Hanuman Ji’s footprint was left behind on the mountain where he landed. Some versions of the legend suggest that the impact of his descent created a hollow depression, which the sages later preserved as a symbol of divinity.

This footprint became the first shrine, a spot of deep reverence and devotion. Over time, the footprint was enshrined, and a temple structure was gradually built around it, which we now recognize as Jakhu Temple.

🌺 Spiritual Symbolism of the Visit

Hanuman’s brief stay on Jakhu Hill symbolizes:

• Strength and Purpose: Even in the midst of urgency, divine beings are mindful of sacred places and seekers.

• Blessing of the Himalayas: His stop imbued the region with spiritual energy, turning a Himalayan peak into a site of grace.

• Guidance: The interaction with sages signifies the synergy between action (Hanuman) and wisdom (rishis).

• Presence: It is believed Hanuman Ji never truly left the hill, and his divine energy continues to watch over Shimla and its people.

📜 Scriptural References and Local Legends

While the Valmiki Ramayana does not name Jakhu specifically, many regional Ramayanas, oral traditions, and Himachali folklore have carried forward the narrative of Hanuman Ji’s descent at Jakhu. The Hanuman Chalisa too glorifies his cosmic speed and divine journeys:

"Laye Sanjeevan Lakhan Jiyaye,
Shri Raghuvir Harashi Ur Laye"

("You brought the Sanjeevani to revive Lakshmana, and Rama embraced you with joy.")

Locals also share that for centuries, devotees witnessed visions and felt inexplicable peace on Jakhu Hill, adding weight to the legend’s spiritual truth.

🛕 Jakhu Temple: The Legacy of the Visit

The temple was later established as a permanent shrine to commemorate Hanuman Ji’s divine halt. The ancient idol within the sanctum is believed to be centuries old, possibly installed by local sages.

In 2010, the site gained national attention with the installation of a 108-feet-tall Hanuman statue, one of the tallest in the world. It symbolizes Hanuman's towering devotion and serves as a guardian of the Himalayas, visible from miles away.

✨ Enduring Spiritual Energy on Jakhu Hill

Even today, Jakhu Hill is considered a taposthal (place of meditation). Visitors report a strong spiritual vibration — a sense of stillness and grace that connects them to the divine. The surrounding deodar forests and tranquil air contribute to the mystical aura, believed to be a direct result of Hanuman Ji’s divine touch.

🚩 Influence on Worship and Pilgrimage

• Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with grandeur here.

• Devotees trek uphill barefoot, retracing Hanuman’s path.

• Monkeys, seen as Hanuman’s companions, are fed by devotees.

• The site has become a symbol of faith, protection, and strength for residents and visitors alike.

🧘‍♂️

The visit of Lord Hanuman Ji to Jakhu Hill is more than a myth — it is a living story carved into the consciousness of devotees, pilgrims, and the very rocks of Shimla. His brief pause on this Himalayan hilltop transformed the landscape into a celestial resting place, forever sanctified by divine purpose and eternal presence.

For those who climb Jakhu Hill today — be it for worship, reflection, or the view — they follow the unseen footsteps of Bajrangbali, and in doing so, connect to a timeless current of strength, service, and spiritual power.

🛕 Jakhu Temple, Shimla: A Divine Summit Above the Clouds

Perched atop the highest peak of Shimla at an altitude of 2,455 meters, Jakhu Temple is not just a place of worship — it’s a symbol of faith, mythology, and breathtaking Himalayan beauty. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple attracts pilgrims, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

🌄 Location & Scenic Beauty

Located just 2 km from the Ridge, Jakhu Temple sits atop Jakhu Hill, offering a panoramic view of Shimla town, surrounding valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The climb or cable car ride to the top is as mesmerizing as the destination itself.

🐒 Significance

🕉️ Hanuman rested at Jakhu Hill, and his divine presence sanctified the place forever.

A giant 108-foot statue of Hanuman now stands near the temple — one of the tallest in the world — visible from many parts of Shimla.

🧗‍♂️ How to Reach

• By Foot: A scenic but steep trek of about 30-45 minutes from the Ridge

• By Ropeway: The Jakhu Ropeway offers a stunning aerial view (approx. 6-minute ride)

• By Taxi: Roads are narrow but accessible by car or cab

🛕 What to Expect at the Temple

• Peaceful environment amidst tall deodar trees

• Large population of monkeys (be cautious but kind)

• Offerings and prayers conducted by temple priests

• A sense of divine calm and panoramic views from all sides

🕓 Timings

• Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Best time to visit: Morning hours or around sunset

📸 Travel Tips

• Keep your belongings secure — monkeys are known to snatch bags, glasses, or food

• Wear comfortable shoes if trekking

• Carry water and light snacks

• Visit on Hanuman Jayanti to experience vibrant celebrations

✨ Visitor Experiences

“The spiritual vibe and the view from the top were unforgettable. Watching the mist roll over the hills while listening to temple bells is pure bliss.”
– Priya S., traveler from Delhi

“A serene break from Shimla’s bustle. The ropeway ride was a highlight!”
– Rajiv M., solo backpacker

📍 Nearby Attractions

• The Ridge

• Christ Church

• Mall Road

• Scandal Point

• Kufri (a short drive for snow and adventure sports)

📚 Final Thoughts

Jakhu Temple is not just a temple — it's an experience. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a history buff, or a traveler looking for peace above the clouds, this hilltop sanctuary will leave you touched by serenity and wonder.

Jakhu Temple Gallery

Explore stunning images of Jakhu Mandir and its surroundings.

जय श्री राम !!

जय श्री राम !!

मंदिर में स्थित हनुमान जी की प्रतिमा बहुत विशाल है । भक्तों का मानना है कि यदि कोई सच्चे मन से यहां आकर प्रार्थना करता है, तो उसकी मनोकामनाएं पूरी होती हैं ।

Jakhu Mandir

Visit the famous Jakhu Mandir, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering stunning views and a unique experience in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Location

Jakhu Hill, Shimla

Hours

7 AM - 8 PM

जय श्री राम !!