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| Jhakhu Temple, Himachal (India) |
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The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is
situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, at an altitude
of 2.5 kms. The temple in Shimla is dedicated to
lord Hanuman, and 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 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
and his doctor were 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, one can come across numerous monkeys
and Jakhu is no exception. 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.
The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated at an altitude
of 2455 Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman,
the monkey god in Indian mythology. Hanuman was
the most faithful aide of lord Rama (India’s
most revered mythological hero). The temple of Hanuman
is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills, and is on
top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived from Hindi
word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological character
in Hindu mythology, who are a link between human
and gods. The original dates of temple is not known,
but it is believed to be existing from the times
of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient
Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak
around Shimla, and is famous for its trekking options.
The Jakhu hill offers excellent views of sunrise,
sunset, mountains and town. The hill is full of
narrow paths and roads which are an enjoyable walks.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman relaxed
on this very spot when he was transporting 'Sanjeevani'
the medicinal herb from the Himalayas to Lord Lakshman.
The herb saved Lord Lakshman's life. The place was
named after the learned sage Yaaku-who meditated
here. There are many monkeys around Jakhu Temple,
but they do not attack visitors. Some pilgrims to
Jakhu Temple offer the monkeys edible eatables,
which they accept with alacrity. The approach to
the temple is through a dense forest of deodars.
Jakhu Temple is easily accessible from Shimla city.
The temple is a 45 minute walk from Shimla Ridge.
You can also take a pony to visit Jakhu Temple.
Jakhu Temple offers a superb vantage point for witnessing
the ethereal Himalayan skyline during sunrise or
sunset. Jakhu Temple is situated at a height of
around 2 Km from the base of Jakhu hill. To reach
the temple, a trek of 2 kms, through dense pine
forests is required. The trek is very tiring. One
can also hire ponies from the base of hills, to
take a to and fro ride to temple. Walking sticks
are also available at the shops on the base of Jakhu
hill. |
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