Masroor Temple, Kangra valley, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Masroor Temple

Location

Masroor Temple is located in Kangra valley, at a distance of 38 km from Kangra town on Nagrota – Surian link road in the state Himachal Pradesh.

It is also known as Masroor Rock cut temple because the main temple and 14 other temples side by side are carved out of a single rock (monolithic rock).

The altitude of the temple is 2500 ft, above sea level in sanctuary area of Pong Dam. People knowing this place, plan in their itinerary during any trip to Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, Palampur or Kangra. Spectaculer view of the snow peaked Dhauladhar range, mesmerizes the devotees and tourists alike.

Main Deity

Lord Rama Temple

The main Shrine is in the cente, and a group of seven small temples on each sides. The main Deities inside the temple are in the form of three beautiful stone idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Lakhsman. Art historians consider that initially this temple was dedicated to Mahdeva and after an ancient earthquake it was reshaped into a shrine of Lord Rama. The image of Lord Shiva is present in the center of the lintel at main door. 

The entire theme of the temple revolves around the festivity and coronation of Lord Shiva. That is why the local people believe that originally, the temple was of Lord shiva. There is a pond in front of the temple in which the reflection of the temple looks marvelous.

Architecture

The temple is an ancient one and constructed in between 7 Th – 8 Th century, also known as Himalayan Pyramid. The temple’s architect reflects the architectural style of the Kailashnath temple (Ellora cave) of Maharashtra which is also of the same period. 

The tourist visiting this rock cut temple are mesmerized by the grandeur and magnificence of the statues, carvings and sculpture adorning the walls of the temple. Kangra valley experienced an extremely powerful earthquake in 1905. Wonderful Masroor temple suffered heavily and partly turned in to ruins. Debris of the temples still lies around them. Slower but not less destructive has been erosion by weather and vegetation One by one the wonderful carvings have eroded leaving a boring, flat surface. Even today, the ruins and timeworn condition of carvings, states the quality and master-ship in art of the past. 

The awesomely ornamented carved temples are the only rock Shrines in the northern part of India.

A Supreme Creation

Ornamental Carving

Rock cut style is much more difficult than the structural one. In the structural work the artist shapes the material as he likes. But cutting of rock is done according to the nature of stone making limitations of handling the tools on it.

It is amazing that the artists of 7 th – 8 th century carried out their purpose, resulting a unparalleled creation in the form of this temple. Some of the most beautifully carved panels are now in the state museum Shimla.

Already in 1914 temples became a national monument. Archological Survey of India maintains the site and a ticket of Rs 5/- for each entry inside the temple is collected. Now this temple is considered to include in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Heritage institutions have done much to preserve and renew this amazing structure. 

Festivals

Ram Nawmi and Janmashtami are the main festival celebrated with joy and entheuism. Only these two days, every year, local people can access the temple for free.

Legend

There is an interesting story behind the temple. Pandavas during their long exile period came here and stay for a countable period of time. In one area of the temple, there is a Dungeon (kaal Kothari) with half built staircase. Pandavas unfolded the secret to build a stairway to heaven, but on the condition that the stairway should be built in one night but before, early morning. 

Knowing this Lord Indra (the king of heaven) became worried. He thought that the Heaven will be accessible for the earthly beings, without his permission. He disguised himself as rooster and crowed loudly before the very early morning. Pandavas upon hearing the rooster cowing thought that they were unable to complete the stairway in time.

They left the staircase incomplete. One can see it at Masroor even today.

Near By Places to Visit

1. Chamunda Devi temple

2. Jwalamukhi devi temple

3. Vrajeshwari devi temple

4. Chintpurni devi temple

Above four temples form a circuit of Devi temples of Kangra district in HP. 

One should must visit these temples.
How to reach

By road

Buses are frequent from Kangra and Dharamshala to Nagrota Surian ,and Masroor is only 3 km away from this route. Get down at Peer Bhindi bus station and can take a walk of 3 km in hills. If not interested in walking taxis are available at this place.

By rail

The closest railway station is Una which is connected via a narrow gauge line with Ranital. This narrow gauge line from Pathankot passes throgh many smaller station before reaching Joginder Nagar.

The other broad gauge rail head is Pathankot which is aproximately 88 km from Dharamshala. Pathankot is linked to all major cities of India.Travellers can avail buses or taxi from here to reach Masroor.

By air

Gaggle is the nearest airport. It is located at a ditance of 72 km from Dharamshala and 8 km from Kangra. Jagson airline which flies only for four days a week. Other airports are located at Shimla Chandigarh and Pathankot.

Where to Stay

There is no fascility available for stay, nearby temple. Kangra is only 38 km. There are many hotels available at Kangra. Some of them are Imperial height resort, Hotel Atithi etc.