Masroor Rock Cut Temple is an archaeological site located 32 kilometres from Kangra in Dharamsala on the Nagrota-Surian Link Road. 15 rock cut temples designed in the Indo-Aryan style here. People believe that this temple is made on 8th century (based on relics). The complex, dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, and Saura, faces northeast, towards the Dhauladhar range. The majority of the complex got damaged due to earthquakes.
The architects made this temple in Nagara style from a single monolithic rock with the use of a Shikara. The complex currently has three entrances. It has a fourth entrance too but it was unfinished. Hindu texts inspired this architecture. The temple has a sacred pool of water and is symmetrically laid out in a square. The main temple is with a square sanctum in the Centre. Tiny temples in a mandala pattern has covered it. The intricate carvings in the interiors depict Vedic teachings.
Both devotees and tourists visit the mesmerizing Masroor Rock Cut Temple. People believe that bathing in the tank’s holy waters can cleanse your soul of sins.
Structure And Architecture of Marsoor Temple:
The Masroor Rock Cut Temples, as the name suggests, are carved out of a single rock and feature a unique monolithic structure designed in Indo Aryan style. The temples are located on top of a hill, approximately 2500 feet above sea level. Intricate sculpture detailing on the lintels, doors, pillars jambs, and column reflect the skills of the constructors, and the archaeologists who designed such an incredible piece of architecture during that era.
All of the temples have idols of Gods and Goddesses such as Parvati, Shiva, Saraswati and Lakshmi as well as floral designs. The magnificent structure of the attraction bears striking similarities to Ellora’s Kailash Temple and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple. Other rock-cut temples in India include the Rath of Mahabalipuram, the Dharmanatha Temple at Dharmnar, and the Kailash Temple at Ellora Caves. The Masroor Rock Cut Temples, on the other hand, are the only ones built on top of the hill.
Historical Significance of Masroor Rock Cut Temple:
- Architectural Wonder: The temple complex is famous for its remarkable rock-cut architecture. This features intricate carvings carved directly into the sandstone rock face. This architectural style, which involves carving temples out of solid rock, is a proof to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
- Historical Discovery: The initial report on the temple complex by Henry Shuttleworth in 1913, followed by an independent survey by Harold Hargreaves in 1915, drew the attention of archaeologists and historians to this site. The site was relatively unknown prior to these surveys, highlighting its hidden historical value.
- Cultural Heritage: The temple’s carvings and sculptures depict various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. These carvings shed light on the religious and artistic traditions of the time when the temples were built. They also contribute to the region’s cultural heritage.
- Preservation and conservation: The Masroor Rock Cut Temple complex has drawn attention for the need for preservation and conservation. Various efforts have been made over the years to safeguard and restore the temples. This ensured that future generations can appreciate this unique piece of history.
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Places To Visit In And Around The Famous Masroor Rock Cut Temple:
Here Is a List of The Major Attractions In And Around The Masroor Temple:
- Hotspring, Tatpani – 24 Km
- Gupt Ganga Temple is 5 kilometres from Kangra Fort.
- Wildlife Sanctuary – 14 Km
- Kangra Fort and Museum (Ancient Site) – 34 km
- Dharamshala – 40 Km
- State war Memorial – 39 Km
- John in the Wilderness – 49 kilometres
- The Tibet Museum -45 Km
- Namgyal Monastery – 45 Km
- Dainkund Peak – 125 Km
How To Reach Masroor Rock Cut Temple:
- Road: The Masroor temple is located on the Nagrota-Surian Road, just a few miles from Kangra. This road is easily accessible by personal car or cab. Dharamsala and Pathankot are connected by highway, and regular buses run along the route.
- Train:There are no direct trains from Mumbai to Masroor Temple. You can travel by train for a portion of your journey; the nearest railway station is Pathankot (87 kilometres from Dharamsala).
A narrow gauge train from Pathankot connects Kangra Railway Station to Joginder Nagar. After that, one must take a bus or a cab to this lovely location.
- Air: The nearest airport to Masroor Rock-cut Temple is Gaggal Airport, which is only 15 kilometres from Dharamshala and is well-connected to Delhi via frequent flights. To get to this ancient temple, you can either drive down or take a taxi.
Best Time To Visit Masroor Temple:
You should visit the Masroor Rock Cut Temple during Shiv Ratri to enjoy the festival that the locals celebrate there. Local people there celebrate the festivals with full of fun and frolic at that time. You should avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season due to the sudden and dangerous landslides. Because landslide occur in Himachal Pradesh during this time.
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Conclusion
So, here we have given you a complete overview on Masroor Rock cut temple. Now you know about the attractions and the places to visit in and around the Masroor temple. It is a destination that offers a rich blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, with its awe-inspiring design, intricate carvings, and captivating legends. So, if you are in Dharamshala, don’t miss the chance to explore and appreciate the wonders of human craftsmanship and devotion.
FAQs:
Q. What Is The Distance Between Dharamshala And Masroor?
The Pandavas, characters from the epic Mahabharata, visited this archaeological site. They carved out the rock-cut temples that have brought Masroor fame.
Location: 40 kilometers from Dharamshala.
Q. What is Another Name For Masroor Temple?
The temple complex, also known as the Himalayan Pyramid, is an important archaeological site dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. It is a collection of 15 rocks carved from a single rock. This temple complex is well-known for its distinguished architecture and is located 32kilometres west of Kangra.
Q. What Is The Opening Hour of Masroor Temple?
Masroor Temple is typically open from sunrise to sunset. However, it’s best to double-check the exact opening and closing times in your area, as they may vary seasonally.
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