Jakhu is the highest peak in Shimla. You cannot avoid it even if you want to. The ridge of Shimla town starts from the western shoulder of Jakhu and extends towards west.

Jakhu drives its name from Yaksha  or Yakhu as one can say that Jakhu is the spoilt version of this. The peak is crowned with a small chalet type building of a temple that is dedicated to Monkey God - Hanuman.

The legend says that Hanuman, who met Lord Rama during his exile of fourteen years and remained his ervant for through out the life, visited this place when he on his way to pick 'Sanjeevani Booty' - A medicinal herb to cure Lamamana, the younger brother of Lord Rama. Laxamana had lost his conciousness in battle and the doctor available at that time suggested to give him the juice of Sanjeevani in twenty four hours. The battle had taken place in the southern tip of India and Sanjeevani was available only in the Himalayas in the North. Hanuman, as he is the son of wind, was blessed with the power of flying. So he flew to the Himalayas and on his way he saw a Yaksha meditating the summit of a hill. He stopped here for sometime to relax. After he had left, the Yaksha made this tample. 

Although there are no evidences of its records in the history but as per the above said legend the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

The first record of this temple is found in the book called 'Travels to Kunnowar' by Captain Alexender Gerald in 1838. Captain Gerald was on the survey of Sutluj Valley with his two brothers in early 19th century and came across this temple.

Today the temple is visited every day by a number of tourists and locals as well. The view of Shimla town and the Snow Clad peaks of Himalayas towards the north is astounding from here. Be careful about the monkeys here as they are aggressive sometimes and might dare check your pockets to find something to eat. A nutseller sells nuts outside the temple. People buy his nuts to feed monkeys but do not forget to borrow a stick from him to keep the monkeys away. They are very fond of Spectacles, Scarves, Purses, Cameras and anything that is handy and in their easy reach. They snatch or steal the thing and climb up a tree. Now if you want your belongings back you are required to give them a packet ofnuts from the nut seller. The policy of Give and Take formula works everywhere in this world.

Sumit Vashisht is the Astounding Himalayas Editor for Wandering Educators.