The Jakhoo Temple in Shimla is Dedicated to Lord Hanuman

• The Jakhoo Temple is a famous 'Hanuman Mandir' in Shimla
• It is located 2.5 kilometers from the Church Street and a common go-to place at the ridge
• A Hanuman statue 108 feet tall can been seen while trekking to the temple

Shimla, July 21, 2017: At 2.5 kilometers distance from the Church Street in Shimla is the famous 'Hanuman Mandir' in the city- The Jakhoo Temple (Also spelled Jakhu).

It is a devotion to the Lord Hanuman. The temple is built Shimla's highest elevated top with the height of 8,050 feet. There is a 20 minute trek to the temple on which the statue of Lord Hanuman standing 108 feet tall can be seen. The statue was built for Rs 1.5 crores and is taller than Brazil's Rio de Janeiro which is 98 feet tall.

The temple, built at the summit, provides a great view from the top. The Shivalik as well as the Himalayan foothills can be spotted. Jakhoo comes from the Hindi word Yakhsa, which is the transcendent connection between the humans and the divine beings in Hindu mythology.

The interesting story attached with the temple exists from the seasons of Ramayana. Lord Lakshman, Lord Ram's younger brother, was hurt by a lightning bolt from Meghanath in the battle of Lord Ram and Ravana. The wound could not be cured after many efforts. It was believed that a herb (Sanjeevani) from Himachal could probably cure this pain.

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Lord Hanuman stood up to the task. On the way to Himachal, Hanuman saw Sage Yaaku sitting on the mountain and he approached him to enquire about the herb. Once his enquiry was done, Hanuman left.

When on the way back Hanuman met with the Sage again, he could not accept the invitation to stay. Lord Ram was waiting for the herb to be brought soon. Yaaku was left with a symbol of the Lord on the slope of the mountain, where he decided to build the temple.

The symbol/ icon can be seen in the temple. As with other Hanuman Mandirs in the country, gangs of monkeys can be seen bullying and dominating the area. They are fed well by the many tourists that come to the temple.

– prepared by Saksham Narula of NewsGram. Twitter @Saksham2393