Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Kangra (2022)
Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Kangra
is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. The temple's design is unique because it is carved into a mountain slope and therefore has no walls or roof. Unlike other rock-cut architecture in India, Masroor Rock Cut Temple does not have any outside stairs or openings for visitors to enter; the only way to enter is through a long tunnel that leads from the below-mentioned road.
"The whole structure bears testimony to the skillful use of stone masonry combined with great imagination and originality."
- Location: Kangra, India
- Brief history: The temple was built in the 8th century and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
- Layout and design: The temple is carved into a hill and has 15 shrines.
- Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in Kangra.
- Highlights: The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Kangra is one of India's most famous Hindu temples. It was built in the 8th century and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is carved into a hill, with 15 shrines. It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1996.
- Provide a brief history of the site
- Describe the layout and design of the site
- Explain how to get there and where to stay nearby
- Highlight what makes it unique or noteworthy
It's considered one of the best examples of rock-cut architecture in India, and it's a unique opportunity to see how this ancient art form has been preserved for centuries despite changes in technology and materials over time. The temple also features intricate carvings that are often less-seen or appreciated because they don't fit into traditional Western depictions of Indian architecture.
The temple's design is unique because it is carved into a mountain slope and therefore has no walls or roof. Unlike other rock-cut architecture in India, Masroor Rock Cut Temple does not have any outside stairs or openings for visitors to enter through—the only way to enter is through a long tunnel that leads from the road below.
Named the Himalayan Pyramid, Masroor Rock Cut Temple is a mainstream archeological site in India that is around 32 km from Kangra on Nagrota-Surian Link Road. A significant piece of the well-known rock (stone) cut temple/sanctuaries are in ruins yet one can ponder the relics unmistakably.
As indicated by various examinations directed by the specialists the temple complex was worked in the middle of the eighth-ninth century AD. A gathering of 15 solid rock-cut temples planned in Indo-Aryan style. The fundamental hallowed places contain the stone icons of Rama-Laxman and Sita. It is guaranteed that each of the 15 temples/sanctuaries is cut out of a solitary stone.
As indicated by the nearby legends, the Pandavas invested an extensive stretch of energy here in this temple/sanctuary premise during their outcast. Another story tells about the presence of a fragmented staircase which is found inside the sanctuary. It is said that the staircase was built by the Pandavas to arrive at paradise/heaven.
They made a vow to complete the development work by that day morning. Tuning in to this Indra, the ruler of the Gods got strained as the stairs would make the best approach to arrive at paradise effectively open. So he masked himself as a crow and crowed uproariously before the early first light. Thus the Pandavas, couldn't finish the staircase.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple Location
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple are around 45 kilometers southwest of the Dharmashala-McLeod Ganj and 35 kilometers west from the Kangra town in the uneven territory of Himachal Pradesh in north India. The sanctuary is worked in the Beas River valley, in the lower regions of the Hamalayas, confronting the cold pinnacles of the Dhauladhar go.
The sanctuaries are around 225 kilometers northwest from Shimla, around 150 kilometers north of Jalandhar and around 85 kilometers east of Pathankot. The closest railroad station is Nagrota Surian, and the closest air terminal is Dharamshala. The nearest significant air terminals with day by day benefits are Amritsar and Jammu.
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is situated in the valley, on the highest point of a normally rough slope, which Hargreaves in 1915 portrayed as, "standing somewhere in the range of 2,500 feet above ocean level, and instructing, as they [Hindu temples] do, a superb view over a lovely, well-watered and prolific tract, their circumstance, however remote, is independently satisfying".
You will be surprised to know that it is very difficult to do such carving in stones. Karigars were brought from afar to do it, but no firm evidence has been found about who exactly those craftsmanship is. In front of this temple is the Masroor lake which adds beauty to the beauty of the temple.
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is one of the most important holy sites in India, and was built in the 8th century. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, who is considered a symbol of wisdom and power. It's located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, which is also known as "the land of the gods."
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple was carved into a hill and has 15 shrines. It's considered one of the best examples of rock-cut architecture in India: Each shrine has its own unique design with intricate details and color. The entire structure is made from sandstone cut from the mountain itself.
Shiva statue is on the roof of the temple
- Shiva's statue on the roof of the temple shows that the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- By cutting a mountain, these temples have been cut and constructed in such a way that there is no joint, and no cement-like object has been used.
- Garbhagriha, idols staircases, and doors have been made by cutting the mountain.
- Masroor lake, right in front of the temple, adds to the beauty of the temple.
- A reflection of some part of the temple is seen in the district.
- Although this style is found in many ancient temples in West and South India, this one temple in the northern part of India is unique in itself.
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple has fine carvings
- The architecture and intricate carving of the temple is an ideal places for anyone interested in history.
- Masroor temple can be visited anytime of the year, but its most appropriate and appropriate time is from March to October.
Visitors can stay at several hotels or guesthouses around Kangra County if they want to experience local culture before or after visiting Masroor Rock Cut Temple.