Masrur Temple (Rock cut)
India /
Himachal Pradesh /
Nagrota /
World
/ India
/ Himachal Pradesh
/ Nagrota
World / India / Himachal Pradesh / Kangra
temple, hindu temple, stone/rock feature
Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Known for its monolithic rock-cut temples, Masroor is 38 km from Kangra Town. There are 15 rock-cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and are richly carved. It is a unique monolithic structure in the sub-Himalayan region and is a protected monument.
The main shrine contains three stone images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The temple complex is located on a hill and also has a large rectangular water pond. The view of snow clad Dhauladhar is amazing from the temple premises. Masrur rock temples, a 7th century cluster of temples carved out from a single rock with description of various deities, erotica and amorous sculptures blissfully engraved on its wall, are still standing tall in the serene and remote ranges of lower Himalayan but - now causing conflict between Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the local populace.
Not only the erosion has blurred the detailing of the stone carving and damaged majority of sculptures but the 1905 Kangra earthquake suffered major damage to the temple clusters and had knocked off its several parts including pillars, sculptures etc. the remains of which can still be seen lying on ground with sources revealing that many of the parts and idols had been stolen in past. The nearest visitable places includes Pong lake near Nagrota Surian, 10 km from Masroor and hot water springs at Tattwani village, on the bank of Gaj rivulet near Salol village on Lunj- Gaggal road, 15 km from Masroor. It is accessible from Gaggal (30 km) on Nagrota Surian link road and 22 km from Ranital road.There are different views and opinions over the construction period of this monolithic rock cut temples at Masrur in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh , other being Chaturbun Mandir in Madhya Pradesh, Ellora and Hamabalipuram temples, carved out from a single rock.
In 1875 , ASI recorded that these temples were constructed in 7th century but the preservation work of these temples was begun by an officiating superintendent of Northern Circle of ASI, in 1915 Harold Hargreaves .
The legend has it that Pandava got these temples constructed during exile. Other views are that Katoch kings of Jalandhar , Punjab, built these temple complex while another set of opinion is that these temples were built during reigns of Lalitaditya and Yasovarman who ruled in the eighth century.
It is believed that these temples primarily belonged to lord Shiva but later idols of other deities were also placed . Besides erotica, other images on the walls of temples are of Ganesha, Budha, Kartikya , Surya etc . The sandstone ridge which, right from Pir Bindli village is spread for over 1km, and a parallel mount has been selected to scoop out a number of monolithic temples and being isolated they remained saved from vandalism by various invaders . Historians are divided over the number of temples , some are of view that there were 19 temples other put the figure to 15, 9 or 7 which are constructed in nagara style of architecture. The centre temple or mulaprasda faces east and is flanked by seven smaller shrines on either side. Presently, ruins of three shrines on either side are seen. At few places brick work can be seen in sandstone carried out to fill cracks or for other repairs.
Known for its monolithic rock-cut temples, Masroor is 38 km from Kangra Town. There are 15 rock-cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and are richly carved. It is a unique monolithic structure in the sub-Himalayan region and is a protected monument.
The main shrine contains three stone images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The temple complex is located on a hill and also has a large rectangular water pond. The view of snow clad Dhauladhar is amazing from the temple premises. Masrur rock temples, a 7th century cluster of temples carved out from a single rock with description of various deities, erotica and amorous sculptures blissfully engraved on its wall, are still standing tall in the serene and remote ranges of lower Himalayan but - now causing conflict between Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the local populace.
Not only the erosion has blurred the detailing of the stone carving and damaged majority of sculptures but the 1905 Kangra earthquake suffered major damage to the temple clusters and had knocked off its several parts including pillars, sculptures etc. the remains of which can still be seen lying on ground with sources revealing that many of the parts and idols had been stolen in past. The nearest visitable places includes Pong lake near Nagrota Surian, 10 km from Masroor and hot water springs at Tattwani village, on the bank of Gaj rivulet near Salol village on Lunj- Gaggal road, 15 km from Masroor. It is accessible from Gaggal (30 km) on Nagrota Surian link road and 22 km from Ranital road.There are different views and opinions over the construction period of this monolithic rock cut temples at Masrur in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh , other being Chaturbun Mandir in Madhya Pradesh, Ellora and Hamabalipuram temples, carved out from a single rock.
In 1875 , ASI recorded that these temples were constructed in 7th century but the preservation work of these temples was begun by an officiating superintendent of Northern Circle of ASI, in 1915 Harold Hargreaves .
The legend has it that Pandava got these temples constructed during exile. Other views are that Katoch kings of Jalandhar , Punjab, built these temple complex while another set of opinion is that these temples were built during reigns of Lalitaditya and Yasovarman who ruled in the eighth century.
It is believed that these temples primarily belonged to lord Shiva but later idols of other deities were also placed . Besides erotica, other images on the walls of temples are of Ganesha, Budha, Kartikya , Surya etc . The sandstone ridge which, right from Pir Bindli village is spread for over 1km, and a parallel mount has been selected to scoop out a number of monolithic temples and being isolated they remained saved from vandalism by various invaders . Historians are divided over the number of temples , some are of view that there were 19 temples other put the figure to 15, 9 or 7 which are constructed in nagara style of architecture. The centre temple or mulaprasda faces east and is flanked by seven smaller shrines on either side. Presently, ruins of three shrines on either side are seen. At few places brick work can be seen in sandstone carried out to fill cracks or for other repairs.
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masroor_Rock_Cut_Temple
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 32°4'22"N 76°8'14"E
- Baroh 18 km
- Chandmari village 24 km
- Tota Rani village 24 km
- Chamunda Temple 27 km
- Bhagsu Nag 27 km
- Baall 27 km
- Triund Hill, Triund 30 km
- Chobin 51 km
- Machail Mata Shrine 151 km
- Podang 172 km
- Sharama's house see by vsp 1.8 km
- Village. Lahlpur 1.8 km
- Pehri Village 3 km
- JANGAL KHMAN 3.4 km
- Rajput famliy 3.5 km
- Village Haar - Filled By-Raj Padda 4.4 km
- Taradevi Apartments, Malaharu 4.7 km
- VILLAGE NARETA 4.9 km
- GULERIA RAJINDER SINGH FAOJI & FAOJI SH. RACHHPAL SINGH GULERIA 5.2 km
- Maharana Pratap Reservoir 10 km
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