The historic Jakhu Temple in Shimla is set to undergo major renovation works, with the Himachal Pradesh government granting in-principle approval to a comprehensive restoration project estimated at Rs 5.67 crore. The proposal will now be forwarded to the state government through the Shimla Municipal Corporation for obtaining final approval from the Council of Ministers. The entire cost of the project will be borne by the Shri Hanuman Ji Temple Trust, Jakhu, through its own resources.
With a steady rise in the number of devotees visiting the temple over the past several years, the existing infrastructure has been facing increasing pressure, often leading to management challenges. The proposed renovation aims to upgrade facilities and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims while preserving the temple’s cultural and religious significance.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap said that the project has received in-principle approval from the state government and that the next phase of formal procedures has already been initiated. The renovation plan includes restoration and upgradation of key facilities such as the yajna shala, shoe house, bhandara bhavan, temple office, park area, and public toilets. Expansion work in front of the Hanuman statue, railing work in the kirtan hall, and the construction of six new shops within the temple परिसर are also part of the project. In addition, a children’s park will be developed to make the complex more visitor-friendly.
As per the proposal, a traditional yajna shala will be constructed in the temple premises following Hindu architectural norms. The structure will feature a mandap-style design with 16 pillars, 32 roof-supporting columns, a ganduk, vedi, toran, dhwaj and pataka, all in accordance with ancient cultural traditions.
A new shoe house will also be built over an area of about 22.41 square metres, equipped with counters and shoe racks, along with a token system to facilitate smooth management for devotees. To address persistent parking issues faced by visitors, a new parking facility is also proposed at an estimated cost of around Rs 40 lakh, which is expected to significantly ease congestion in the area.
Sharing the historical significance of the temple, priest B.P. Sharma said that according to mythology, during the war between Lord Ram and Ravana, Lakshman was rendered unconscious by Meghnad’s shakti baan. Hanuman, while flying to the Himalayas in search of the Sanjeevani herb, stopped at Jakhu Hill after noticing a Yaksha Rishi engaged in penance. After seeking guidance on the location of the herb and promising to return, Hanuman proceeded on his mission, making Jakhu Hill an important site linked to the Ramayana.
With the renovation work expected to begin after completion of formal approvals, devotees are likely to benefit from modern amenities while retaining the spiritual and heritage essence of the iconic Jakhu Temple.
