Jatoli temple is the main attraction to explore around Solan and folks who are visiting Solan should not miss this beautiful location. It’s also a nice place for one day picnic. One of the oldest and religious temples of Solan district is known as Jatoli temple. The temple is the Asia’s highest temple of Lord Shiva. This temple is situated on the Rajgarh road and it is about 8 km from Solan. Jatoli means long Jata (hairs) which further signifies the long Jatas of lord Shiva. According to a legendary belief, lord Shiva visited this place and slept for a night. Similarly, other legendary stories also support the same belief.

Marvelous Architectural Design

The architectural design of Shiva’s Temple in Jatoli is marvelous. This temple has been built according to Indo – Aryan Style where the top tower is round with a curvilinear outline, which ends into a tip. The tip of such temple is usually decorated with golden kalash. Few modifications have also been carried out by giving a touch of fusion of Southern or Dravidian- Style to this temple. The Shiva’s temple at Jatoli has three consecutive sub-pyramidal structures which end in a tip. The tapering part in the temple architecture is called as Shikhar or the pinnacle. The height of this sub pyramidal has been maintained in ascending order but kept little lower than the main pyramidal of what is called as ‘Vimana’. At the base of first sub pyramidal platform Lord Ganesha has been seated. In the second sub pyramidal area ‘Shesh Nag’ occupies the place. The frontal area around these pyramids has been decorated with one yellow- green coloured kalash on each side. At the base of the platform of third sub pyramid one can see a ‘trishul’ distinctively on each side. There are statues of gods and goddesses along the front and lateral sides of the temple. The main pyramid is tallest among all sub pyramids, thus making the height of this temple 111 ft., and has been given the tag of highest temple of lord Shiva in Asia. The construction the temple was completed in 39 years.

History

It is believed that in the ancient times Lord Shiva visits this place and stay for some time that’s why this temple was built in this place. In this temple, there are three main parts, a statue of Lord Shiva, a little cave where Lord Shiva slept for a night and a Shiv Ling. Here every year on the occasion of Shivratri, a function is organised in which people from different parts participate.

How to Reach

By Bus: The temple is well connected by road from different places and one can reach the city using taxis, trains and buses.

By Train: The closest railway station to the temple is Kalka.

By Air: The closest airport is located at Chandigarh, which is around 67 km from Solan. The airport has a domestic terminal that is connected to places such as Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Srinagar.