JAKHOO HILL HANUMAN TEMPLE, SIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH...
sardar ps dara
Seven Hills
When thinking of seven hills one will remember Tirupathi down south the
abode of Lord Balaji. In this congregation of seven hills, namely Sheshatri,
Vedadri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri, Venkatadri ("Adri"
in Sanskrit means a hill), the seventh peak "Venkatadri" is the abode of Lord
Balaji. One of the hill is named "Anjanadri" dedicated to Mata Anjana Devi
mother of Lord Anjaneya. It is said that it is here Anjana Devi, wife of
Vanara chieftain Kesari had undertaken the penance chanting the name of Lord
Maheswara. Mata Anjana Devi was rewarded by Lord Maheswara by grant of a
blessing to her, that she will bear a child with "ruthra-amsa" through Kesari.
Thus Mata Anjana Devi was blessed with Anjaneya as her son. There are
variations to this version. But even in those variations, penance undertaken
in this hill by Anjana Devi has a mention. Therefore the hill was named "Anjanadri".
Simla the Seven Hills
One may be aware of Simla the present capital of Himachal Predesh, which
was once the summer capital of India. This place holds the earth's only
'urban forest'. Simla where an enormous amount of history and heritage has
been distilled, is also a congregation of seven hills. One of the hill is
dedicated to Kamana Devi and is called 'Prospect hill'. Highest of seven
hills at 2455 meters, Jakhoo hill towers over Simla, and seen as crown of the
beautiful Simla. There is a small and beautiful temple on the top of the
hill, placing itself as a Ruby in the crown. 1.5 Km climb to the hill top
starts from Ridge.
Hanuman Temple
The temple, which is seen as ruby in the crown, is dedicated to Lord
Hanuman. Once on the top of the hill near the temple, one will be greeted by
numerous monkeys - vanaras. They will be playing tricks on the visitors to
get the 'prasad' from the visitors. Like taking away one of the sandals,
taking away visitors spectacles, keeping away the handbag etc., but with no
harm done for the 'prasad' offered by visitors the articles are returned.
This place of worship is existing from time immemorial, earliest known being
when British identified Annandale early nineteenth century for development as
a summer town. A permanent structured temple was initially constructed in
this place of worship in the year 1837. The present temple building was built
during the year 1920 in tune with the architecture prevailing in Himachal
Pradesh.
Legend
There are two incidents attributed to this spot becoming place of
worship. This dense forested hill top (even now it is dense forested) was
seen by Lord Hanuman, who was then flying through the sky searching for the
sanjivini plant, the herb required to cure Laxman who lay mortally wounded on
the battlefield in Sri Lanka. Thinking that the sanjivinibooti could be found
here he stopped over here. A variation declares that one of his sandals fell
at this spot while he was on his way to Himalayas in search of sanjivini
plant.
This Hanuman temple is situated in the beautiful surrounding and peaceful
atmosphere far away from the madding crowd. The breeze passing through will
make forget ones worldly worries, thanking Lord Vayu father of Lord Hanuman.
One can meditate for hours here bringing peace to one's mind.
Any visitor to this summer place Simla comes to see this temple. If one visits this temple with devotion and love one is sure to gain lot of peace of mind. Sunrises and sunsets witnessed from this vantage spot are spectacular enough to become a lifelong memory, especially during the monsoons.
ed [07.06.2001] additional information ed [13.01.2002]