THE DIVINE DESTINATION

While working on our tri-city itinerary, we came to know about a Hanuman temple on top of the highest of the seven hills of Shimla called Jakhu.  It is ancient and very famous in north India.  For us in the south, it is not well known.  We accorded high priority to a visit to the temple.  More fascinating is the fact that in the premises of the temple stands a gigantic statue of the Lord visible from several parts of Shimla.

THE HIGHEST, COLOSSAL AND GRAND

(By Subbaram Danda)

The Hanuman statue, 108 feet tall, overlooks majestically the hills and valleys around.  At an altitude of 8,050 feet in the Himalayan range, it is the highest of its kind in the world.  It was installed only about eight years ago.  

The origin of the temple is interesting.  According to a legend, in the epic Ramayana, Hanuman landed on the Jakhu hill on his way to the Himalayas to fetch Sanjeevani herb to cure Lakshmana wounded in the fight against Ravana in Sri Lanka.  He intended to meet a sage on the hill to know where exactly he could find the herb.  After getting the advice, he immediately resumed his journey.   Later, following some incidents, a self-evolved idol of the Lord appeared at Jakhu and the sage built a temple over it and with the footprints of Hanuman.

People have to trek about three kilometres along a steep unpaved way from a point in the Ridge area of Shimla to reach the entrance to the temple.   Small cars can go up but have to stop at some distance before the entrance.  Fortunately our taxi driver, an expert in negotiating sharp curves and bends, cleverly managed to take us to the entrance. 

A wide welcome arch greeted the devotees.   Passing under it, we had to climb a long flight of covered stairs that ran alongside a ramp.  It did not, however, prove to be arduous.   We did not keep a count of the steps though a kid in front of us was shouting numbers as he climbed up.  We did not pant or gasp despite the high altitude.  The fresh morning breeze and the green scenery around kept us in good humour.

At the entrance to the Hanuman temple

Steps leading to the temple

At the end, we were thrilled as the grand statue of Hanuman came to our view on the right side. A short distance away we could find a large raised platform approachable by climbing a few steps.  It proved to be the ideal place to stand and take a good look at the entire statue.  It was also the excellent spot to click photos or take selfies.

The gigantic statue in saffron colour shimmered in the soft morning sunlight.  It was a mesmerising sight.  Hanuman appeared in serene splendour wearing a crown-like headgear and wielding a heavy mace (gadha) in his right hand, its spherical end touching the ground.   A garland of what looked like “rudrakshas” hung gracefully from the neck.  Well-grown deodar trees formed a ring of greenery around the statue adding a touch of natural charm to the entire scene.

The majestic statue of Hanuman

Beyond, a colourful ornamental arch with a string of small bells and a large one at the centre beckoned the devotees into the sanctum.  The space in front of the sanctum, where people could stand and pray, displayed photos on walls depicting Ramayana scenes and Hindu deities.  Inside the sanctum, the self-evolved idol of Hanuman appeared elegantly decorated with ornaments and flowers.  Around the sanctum there was a corridor for devotees to go round in a parikrama.

The ornate arch before the sanctum

In the sanctum

The entire temple complex has been beautifully developed with lawns and flower plants in the style of a garden. There are several small shrines at different points.  A children’s play area is a great addition.

Outside the main temple

A shrine in the premises

Children's play area

One could not miss seeing monkeys running around the entire area in gay abandon.  We were warned in advance that we should not carry anything with us openly that could attract their attention.  They would pounce on the people, grab them in a jiffy and run away.  They would not spare even spectacles, cell phones and cameras.  There were instances, where sandals were also snatched away.

So, to be on the safe side, we left our bags and water bottles in the taxi itself.  We did not wear even our spectacles.  We concealed our cell phones in our pockets.  We pulled them out only after making sure our monkey friends were not around and only then clicked our pictures.  Thank God, we remained untouched by them!

Last year a cable car service was introduced from the centre of Shimla to take people close to the temple premises.  But, we did not take advantage of this facility, as our driver had assured us that he would take and leave us at the temple’s entrance.  He did so as promised.

The temple visit was the high point of our Shimla itinerary.  Other sights of Shimla will find a place in the next post.  (Ends)

(Our tri-city sojourn will continue)

May 14, 2018