Jatoli Temple in Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Jatoli temple is a divine shrine that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is located on a hilltop with 100 stairs leading to its entrance. The temple is an architectural magnificence. It has been made with reference to the architectural and designing style of the southern Dravidians. The name of the temple ‘Jatoli’ is derived from the meaning of the length of Lord Shiva’s hair, that is, ‘Long Jata’. The temple has 3 pyramids perched right on the crown of its base. The first pyramid shows us the image of Lord Ganesha and the second pyramid has the presence of the protective Shesh Naag.

History of Jatoli Temple

Jatoli temple in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most prestigious sites in the Himachal district of Solan. This temple is highly valued and praised as one of the greatest temples that are devoted to Lord Shiva. It was established in the year 2002. One of the highlights of this temple is the Jargon that takes place every February which lures several people. This ceremony has been going on for years now and is conducted on a very large scale. The roots of this temple also take you back to much ancient folklore that will leave you wanting for more. 

Jatoli temple in Solan is famous for its excellent architecture which is basically Indo-Aryan architecture. The temple also had a glimpse of Dravidian style. Marvel at the tip of the temple which is adorned with golden kalash. The temple has three pyramids, the highest pyramid is called Shikhar, second highest pyramid is called Vimana, and the third one which has the lowest height is called Trishul. One can see Lord Ganesha sitting on the base of Shikhar and see Shesh Naag sitting on the base of the second pyramid called Vimana. There are many famous Hindu God and Goddesses carved on all the three pyramids of the temple. Another highlight of Jatoli temple in Solan is its height which is around 111 feet, which is considered to be the highest in Asia. 

The Jatoli temple in Solan has been under construction for over 30 years. It was finally made in the year 2013. Since that year, the temple has been receiving so many devotees every single year.

There are many points of significance within the temple. Let us have a look at these important religious aspects of the temple.

Jatoli temple in Solan is famous for its excellent architecture which is basically Indo-Aryan architecture. The temple also had a glimpse of the Dravidian style. Marvel at the tip of the temple which is adorned with golden kalash. The temple has three pyramids, the highest pyramid is called Shikhar, the second-highest pyramid is called Vimana, and the third one which has the lowest height is called Trishul. One can see Lord Ganesha sitting on the base of Shikhar and see Shesh Naag sitting on the base of the second pyramid called Vimana. There are many famous Hindu God and Goddesses carved on all the three pyramids of the temple. Another highlight of Jatoli temple in Solan is its height which is around 111 feet, which is considered to be the highest in Asia. 

The Cave: There is a cave within the Jatoli Shiv temple where visitors are allowed to go and seek the Lord's blessing. The locals believe that this was the very same place where lord shiva was stationed once upon a time. There is also a statue of Mata in the cave.

Shivling: A few meters away from the temple, there is a black colored shivling. This shivling also has a statue of an ox right beside it that used to help Lord Shiva move around from one place to another.

Lord Shiva’s Statue: The Jatoli Shiv temple has a huge statue of Lord Shiva that is made out of wood and stones. There is also a very long rod perched on the roof of the temple which is completely made of gold.

Jal Kund: There is a water tank within the Jatoli temple in Himachal Pradesh. This tank is called the ‘Jal Kund’. Locals staunchly believed that the water from this tank has great medicinal properties that can heal any kind of skin disease.

Places to visit near Jatoli Temple

The places to visit near Jatoli temple are Dagshai Jail Museum, Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, Dolanji Bon Monastery, Karol Tibba, Darlaghat, and Shoolini Temple. 

So, Jatoli Shiv temple is a beautiful place to visit. Tourists should definitely add the largest and tallest Shiv Temple in Asia to their bucket lists. In the month of February, the temple celebrates ‘Maha Shivratri’ where the loyal devotees are given a drink called ‘Ghota’ which is a mixture of milk and sugar. The annual celebration also includes an interesting Jagran which people attend wholeheartedly. Jatoli Shiv temple allows its visitors to reach the top of the hill and view major parts of the city and take many beautiful pictures in that setting. The temple is a great destination for spiritual travelers as its calm and quiet and lets you self respect on your life in a relaxed manner. So, the next time you are on your way to Shimla, stop by the mesmerizing Jatoli Temple and visit and experience the serenity of the religious place.