Jakhu Temple

Jakhu Temple (Jakhoo Temple), crowning the loftiest mountain summit in Shimla at an elevation of 2,455 meters (8,054 feet) in Himachal Pradesh, stands as Shimla's most sacred pilgrimage destination and iconic spiritual landmark.

Steeped in ancient Ramayana lore as the holy mountain ridge where Lord Hanuman rested while carrying the life saving Sanjeevani herb to Lanka, this revered hilltop shrine is famous for its colossal 108 foot vermilion Hanuman statue soaring majestically above the Himalayan deodar canopy.

It's the home of sacred marble footprints (Charan Paduka) of Lord Hanuman, the modern Jakhu Ropeway providing an aerial cable car ride from The Ridge in just 6 minutes, ancient cedar forests inhabited by playful troupes of monkeys, and sweeping 360 degree panoramas of the snow capped Pir Panjal and Shivalik mountain ranges.

It represents a rich Himalayan sanctuary where deep Hindu devotion, exhilarating alpine trekking, ancient epic mythology, and crisp mountain breezes unite high above the Queen of Hills.

Located on Jakhu Hill just 2.5 km uphill from Shimla Mall Road and Christ Church, it sits 3.5 km from Shimla Railway Station (SML), 22 km from Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti, SLV), and 115 km from Chandigarh, easily reached by aerial ropeway, shared taxi, or a scenic uphill nature hike.

The Ramayana Legend & The Sacred Footprints

According to the Ramayana, when Lord Lakshmana was injured in the battle of Lanka, Lord Hanuman flew north to the Dronagiri mountain in the Himalayas to fetch the miracle Sanjeevani herb.

On his flight, he stopped on this high peak to rest and seek guidance from Sage Yaku. Legend holds that the immense divine force of Hanuman's landing flattened the mountain peak to its current height.

Truth is, devotees revere the sacred stone footprints preserved inside the sanctum, believed to be the exact spot where Hanuman touched down before resuming his mission.

The 108 Foot Hanuman Statue & Jakhu Ropeway

The Colossal 108 Foot Statue: Unveiled in November 2010, this towering vermilion statue of Lord Hanuman stands at an altitude of over 8,100 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest statues in the world and visible from almost every part of Shimla.

The Jakhu Ropeway: Visitors can bypass the steep 45 minute uphill trek by boarding the modern aerial ropeway near The Ridge, gliding high over emerald deodar pine canopies to reach the temple summit in just 6 exhilarating minutes.

Alpine Trekking & Himalayan Sunsets

The Nature Trail Walk: For hiking enthusiasts, the 2.5 kilometer paved stone trail starting from Christ Church offers an invigorating walk shaded by towering Himalayan cedars and rhododendron groves.

Sunset Vistas: From the temple observation decks, visitors enjoy spellbinding sunset views as the evening sky turns golden orange over the rolling valley below.

After receiving blessings at Jakhu Temple, descend to explore the heritage shops on Mall Road, visit the Scottish stone architecture of Viceregal Lodge, or take a day trip to the snow covered slopes of Kufri.