Welcome to the world of Monkeys: Jakhoo Temple, Shimla

Located at the highest peak in Shimla, Jakhoo Temple has many reasons to visit this location. Surrounded by lofty mountains and deodar trees, the path up to the temple lets you immerse yourself in the mesmerising beauty – with stunning views in the background. It is an ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, Shimla's highest peak, 2.5 km east of the Ridge at a height of 2,455 m (8,054 ft) above sea level.

Jakhoo Temple has an intriguing mythological tale attached to it. It is commonly said that during the battle of Ramayana, Ram's younger brother Lakshmana was hit by a mighty arrow and was unconscious. Despite many attempts, he could not be resurrected. Then a renowned priest advised Lord Rama that he wanted a special Sanjeevani herb to get him back to life. Hanuman was tasked with bringing the herb from the Himalayas.

He encountered sage Yaaku on the hilltop as he walked towards the Himalayas. Hanuman stood on the mountain, clearing his questions about the plant. The mount did not bear its weight and was flattened, the remaining half of its height. After gathering enough knowledge about the herb, he promised Yaaku to visit him when he was on his way back to Lanka.

However, on his way back, he had to fight with a demon called "Kalnemi" who was trying to fool him, who had wasted a lot of his precious time. To hit the nation in time, he decided not to follow the sage and took the shortest possible path. When the sage was frustrated, he dreamed about approaching him in person and asking him the reason for breaking his vow.

As Hanuman left the site, an idol of himself appeared on the hill. In celebration of the Lord's visit, Yaaku built a temple there. It is believed to date that the temple has the footprint of Hanuman, and the monkeys who live around the shrine are the descendants of Lord Hanuman.