Jakhoo Temple is one of the most popular temples in Shimla. It is situated at a height of 8500ft and its tall Hanuman statue makes an important landmark of the town. Legend has it that Jakhoo Mountain is one of the places, where Lord Hanuman stopped, while he was on the mission of collecting Sanjeevni herb for an injured Lakshamana. As per another legend, Lord Hanuman met Yaaku, a sage on this mount who briefed him about the Sanjeevni herb. It is also believed that Yaaku sage was the one who commissioned the construction of this temple. The temple has a 108ft high statue of Lord Hanuman, which is indeed a major attraction in Shimla.
Jakhoo Temple Story:
The temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana and said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from he lofty mountains. Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman couldn’t make out as to which herb was the Sanjeevani. So he dug up the entire mountain and flew back to where Lakshmana was lying injured.
After Lakshmana was cured, Hanuman went back to place the mountain in its original site. He rested on top of the Jakhu hill for sometime. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman’s weight! The temple has been built around the place that is supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla and devotees throng in huge numbers to pray. The shrine is a hotspot for monkeys who flock here in great numbers and generously accept eatables that are given to them by devotees and tourists.
