Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Shimla: Home to the World's Tallest Hanuman Statue
Quick Facts
- Location
- Jakhu Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Elevation
- 8,050 feet above sea level
- Statue height
- 108 feet — tallest Hanuman statue in the world
- Built in
- 2010
- Morning aarti
- Around 6:00 AM
- Getting there
- Trek, pony ride, shared taxi, or ropeway from Mall Road
There are places that don't just give you views; they give you goosebumps. Jakhu Temple in Shimla is one of them.
The Tallest Hanuman Statue in the World
At 8,050 feet above sea level, right on top of Jakhu hill, stands the tallest Hanuman statue in the world — 108 feet of pure devotion, built in 2010. You can literally see those giant orange feet from almost anywhere in Shimla town. When the morning mist rolls in, it looks like Bajrang Bali is stepping out of the clouds.
The Treta Yuga Connection That Still Lives Here
Every local will tell you the same story, and every monkey on that hill seems to know it too.
During Ramayana times, when Lakshman lay unconscious, hit by Meghnad's Shakti weapon, only the Sanjeevani booti could save him. Hanuman Ji was flying from the Himalayas toward Lanka with the entire Dronagiri mountain on his shoulder. Tired, he decided to take a short break on this very hill.
Some rishis were doing tapasya here. One of them asked Hanuman Ji to rest for a while. Hanuman Ji smiled and said the line that still echoes on Jakhu:
"राम काज कीन्हें बिनु मोहि कहाँ विश्राम?"
(Where is rest for me until Ram's work is done?)
He promised the rishis he'd return after delivering the herb. Legend says the hundreds — sometimes thousands — of monkeys you see roaming freely around the temple today are Hanuman Ji's vanar sena who stayed back to rest… and are still waiting for their leader to come back.
That's why no one shoos them away. That's why they rule the place. And trust me, they know it.
The Journey Up: Choose Your Adventure
Getting to the temple is half the fun (and half the workout):
- Pony ride: ₹400–600 (bargain hard)
- Shared HRTC taxi from Ridge: ₹20–30 per person
- Ropeway from Mall Road: ₹500 round trip (nice views, but long queues on weekends)
- Trek: 30–40 minutes of steep stairs (free, best sunrise views, and you earn your prasad!)
Taking the stairs at 5:30 a.m. to catch the sunrise is an experience in itself. Halfway up, the whole of Shimla lies sleeping under a blanket of clouds — it feels like walking straight into Swarg.
First Look at the 108-Feet Hanuman Ji
You turn the final corner, and suddenly: there He is.
108 feet tall. Bright saffron-orange. Gada in one hand, the other in blessing pose. The moment you stand at His feet, you feel tiny — in the best way possible.
Inside the temple (no phones or cameras allowed in the sanctum), the atmosphere is electric. The morning aarti around 6:00 AM draws devotees who've trekked up in the dark just to be part of it.
Visitor Information
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Jakhu Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (8,050 ft) |
| Morning aarti | Around 6:00 AM |
| Ropeway | ~₹500 round trip from Mall Road |
| Shared taxi | ~₹20–30 per person from the Ridge |
| Pony ride | ~₹400–600 (negotiable) |
| Trek (on foot) | 30–40 minutes, free, best for sunrise views |
| Inside sanctum | Phones and cameras not allowed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Hanuman statue at Jakhu Temple?
The Hanuman statue at Jakhu Temple stands 108 feet tall, making it the tallest Hanuman statue in the world. It was built in 2010 and is visible from most parts of Shimla town.
Where is Jakhu Temple located?
Jakhu Temple is located atop Jakhu Hill in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of about 8,050 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the town.
What is the legend behind Jakhu Temple?
According to the Ramayana, Hanuman rested on this hill while carrying the Dronagiri mountain in search of the Sanjeevani Booti to revive Lakshman. Local belief holds that the monkeys still living on the hill are descendants of his vanar sena, waiting for his return.
How do I reach Jakhu Temple from Shimla?
Visitors can reach Jakhu Temple by pony ride (around ₹400–600), shared HRTC taxi from the Ridge (₹20–30 per person), ropeway from Mall Road (around ₹500 round trip), or on foot via a 30–40 minute uphill trek.
How much does the Jakhu ropeway cost?
The ropeway from Mall Road to Jakhu Temple costs approximately ₹500 for a round trip, though queues can be long on weekends and holidays.
Are phones and cameras allowed inside Jakhu Temple?
Phones and cameras are not permitted inside the temple's inner sanctum, so visitors should be prepared to store their devices before entering for darshan.
What time is the morning aarti at Jakhu Temple?
The morning aarti at Jakhu Temple takes place around 6:00 AM, and many visitors trek up before sunrise specifically to attend it.
Should I be careful of monkeys at Jakhu Temple?
Yes, Jakhu Hill has a large resident monkey population considered sacred by locals. Visitors are advised to keep food and loose items secured, avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys, and not carry visible plastic bags.