The first thought of rock cut temple brings to the mind, images of Angkor Wat from Cambodia. Well, we are in Himachal Pradesh in the Northern part of India. You will be surprised to have the first view of the Masroor rock cut temple, which resembles Angkor Wat.
First Glimpse of Himalayan Ellora
Himalayan Ellora or Himalayan Pyramids as Masroor rock cut temple is popularly known shadily has resemblance to Kailash temple at Ellora, the reason perhaps it is known as Himalayan Ellora. Located 2523 feet above mean sea level, the craftsmanship and rock-cut temple architecture will amaze you, as the first glimpse of this complex leaves one bewildered.
A speciality of the Masroor rock cut temple is that it has been carved out of a single rock. The location of this temple complex is so soothing to the eyes as the Dhauladhar ranges provide a stark background that gives an illusion of a perfect painting done by a skilled craftsman.
Masroor, or the Masroor rock cut temple, has stood since ages, and even the ruins are so breathtaking that Masroor rock cut temple photos have been making waves on the internet for the past 20 years.
Masroor rock cut temple location in the Himalayas is so unique that no one would believe in the first place that such a monolithic structure, which is ideally found in Maharashtra or down South, could ever exist in Himachal Pradesh. This rock cut temple standing alone on high hills in Himachal makes it truly remarkable and unique.
Courtesy: Trebbo and Flickr
Masroor Rock Cut Temple History
The Masroor rock-cut temple architecture is as unique as its history. No inscriptions and limited written records mean that the Masroor rock cut temple is shrouded in mystery. However, insights from locals will give you an idea about the cultural richness of the Masroor temple.
Who built the Masroor Rock Cut Temple?
A detailed study of the Indian epic Mahabharat lays some emphasis on Trigarta, which was home to the Masroor temple. A mention of Trigarta is also seen in the works of Pāṇini, who shed some light on the richness of this region.
The story of the Pandavas has been related to Masroor and its surroundings. It is believed that during their phase of exile, the Pandavas found solace in the temple region. One thing that you will notice in this temple is its unfinished staircase.
It is said that this was part of their staircase to heaven design. However, God Indra feared that once built it would give access to Pandavas to heaven. Since Pandavas intended to complete it by daybreak, Lord Indra called for light at an early hour, and the staircase remained incomplete, which it is even today.
It is said that Pandavas began construction of the Masroor rock cut temple but had to leave it midway as local people recognized them. The temple complex has a rectangular pond which is said to be built for Draupadi.
Another folklore relates the temple construction to King Yashovardhan, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The caves and ruins that can be found in the vicinity of Masroor temple also indicate that the place once had human settlement.
Connect with Angkor Wat
Over the period, a large number of historians and architects visited the Masroor temple. The prosperity and richness of this temple have also been chronicled by the famed Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang in 635 CE.
In 1835, Austrian explorers also found some similarities between the Masroor temple and Ajanta-Ellora. However, the starkest similarity is between the Angkor Wat temple of Cambodia and Masroor. The similarity is so intense that it can be said that cultural exchange did exist between both these regions at one point.
A Remote Monument
British also contributed to the temple gaining some popularity. A study in 1887 shed some light on the Masroor temple, and the earthquake of 1905 caused intense damage to this structure. The contribution of Shuttleworth and Harold Hargreaves to the Masroor temple cannot be ignored.
The monolithic construction of this temple was one of the prime reasons that it could withstand the ravages of the 1905 Earthquake in Kangra, which left over 20,000 dead.
The remoteness of the Masroor temple has also played a role in its conservation. While it remained neglected and worn out with time, the remoteness also protected it from invaders. While the fort of Kangra was captured multiple times, it was the remote location that kept Mughal invaders away.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple Architecture
Though the Masroor rock cut temple might be in ruins, its architectural richness remains intact. At 2535 feet above mean sea level, the monolithic rock cut architecture still attracts visitors from all across India. The pool is quadrilateral in size, brimming to the top. Devotees who visit the temple believe that it possesses magical properties. The background of Dhauladhar also adds to its beauty.
The meticulous craftsmanship is such that the temple has been carved out of a single monolithic rock. Shikara architecture in its Nagara style is also evident here, which resembles the Ajanta Ellora caves in eternity.
Masroor Temple has four entrances. The east entrance has been used primarily, while those on the north and south edges are complete only partially, and the one on the western side is the least developed. The centre of the temple has the Shiva linga, known as Thakurdwar, and has some intricate carvings, too. The main sanctum of this temple has idols of Ram, Lakshman, and Goddess Sita.
Temples of Gods, including Brahma, Vishnu, Durga, and Surya, encircle the main temple. You will find steps that have been carved into the mountain edge. These lead to a big room which is similar to a storeroom.
The view from the top of the Masroor rock cut temple is simply breathtaking. With mighty Dhauladhar as its background, this seems to be a perfect click! Spires in the temple have intricate designs that make it look unique to the core.
The temple has been carved out of natural sandstone rocks which are hard at places, and this is one reason as to why it still stands intact.
How to Reach Masroor Rock Cut Temple
Dharamshala to the Masroor rock cut temple distance is around 15 Km, and you can hire a cab from Dharamshala to reach the temple. The temple timings are from 6 AM to 6 PM, and it would be good if you travel to the temple early morning as the backdrop of mighty Dhauladhar makes it look remarkable indeed, and you will never forget this sight!
FAQs
To which God is this temple dedicated?
The main shrine has an idol of Lord Shiva, and you will find idols of other Gods in this temple complex. However, the main temple is dedicated to Shiva.
What do we know about the Masroor rock cut temple architecture?
This temple is an example of the monolithic rock cut style. It has 15 temples, which have been carved out of a single rock. The temple is said to have been built during the 8th century, which makes it all the more special.
Why is this temple known as Ellora of Himachal Pradesh?
The monolithic architecture is quite similar to what has been seen in Ellora, Maharashtra. Hence, the Masroor rock cut temple is said to be Ellora of Himachal.
Featured image: BeingPahadia
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