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Long Queues of Devotees at Jakhu Temple from 4 AM on Hanuman Jayanti
Devotional fervor peaks in Shimla as thousands gather for darshan and aarti at historic hilltop temple
Shimla, April 12: The sacred hill town of Shimla woke up to divine chants and devotional energy on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, as thousands of devotees flocked to the historic Jakhu Temple from as early as 4 AM on Saturday.
As the temple doors opened, long queues of devotees formed in the chilly morning air, waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of Lord Hanuman in his specially adorned form. By 4:30 AM, the deity was decorated, and a grand aarti followed, lighting up the entire temple premises with diyas, chants, and unwavering faith.
The air resonated with Hanuman Chalisa recitations and bhajan-kirtan, turning the entire temple hilltop into a spiritual haven. The crowd size this year was notably larger than previous years, according to temple priest Ram Lal Sharma. “Every year the number of devotees is huge, but this time, the turnout is unprecedented,” he said.
The local administration ensured smooth management of the event, deploying security and organizing arrangements to maintain order and ease of movement for the swelling number of pilgrims.
Perched atop Shimla’s highest point, Jakhu Temple is not only a key religious site but also a landmark, known for its 108-feet-tall statue of Lord Hanuman—a prominent attraction for tourists and devotees alike.
On the occasion, several religious programs, prasad distribution, and a grand bhandara (community feast) were also organized. Devotees offered prayers for peace, health, and prosperity, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the day.
With devotional fervor and spiritual unity, Hanuman Jayanti at Jakhu Temple once again reflected the deep-rooted faith of the people and the vibrant religious culture of Himachal Pradesh.
