Rock Cut Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Rock cut temple, more famous by the name of Masrur Temple is an early 8th-century Hindu temple. The architecture of the temple is devoted to various deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, and Saura, the major Hindu gods. The architecture of this temple could never be studied properly due to extensive damage particularly because of earthquakes in the region. The architects say that the temple had a more complex and massive design that could not be completed. Even after being damaged this temple attracts people by its amazing design and interior.

History

According to the local myths, the Pandavas spent a long period here in this temple premise during their exile. Another story tells about the existence of an incomplete staircase which is found inside the temple. It is said that the staircase was constructed by the Pandavas to reach heaven. They took an oath to finish the construction work by the same day morning. Listening to this Indra, the king of the Gods got tensed as the stairs would make the way to reach heaven easily accessible. So he disguised himself in the form of a crow and crowed loudly before the early dawn. As a result of the Pandavas, could not complete the staircase.

Architecture

Very rarely does one come across a temple as unique as the Masroor Temple, in Himachal Pradesh. Popularly known as the Himalayan Pyramid, the temple complex is an important archaeological site dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. It is a cluster of 15 rocks that have been carved out of a single rock. Located 40 km west of Kangra, this temple complex is popular for its distinguished architecture. As you enter the complex, you will be left mesmerized by the beautiful sight of the temple getting reflected in the Masroor Lake, located nearby. Built-in the shikhara (spire) style of architecture, the rock-cut temples are perched at a height of 2,500 ft above sea level. The 14 temples of the complex have been cut from the outside but the central one from the inside. The main sanctum sanctorum houses idols of Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita. The temple complex is now known as Thakurwada, which means Vaishnavite temples. The walls, doors, lintels, and spires boast intricate sculpting details as well as figurines of gods and goddesses. It is believed that the temple was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva as there is a figure of the deity on the central lintel. The temple shares a stark resemblance with the temples at Cambodia's Angkor Wat, Mumbai's Elephanta Caves, and Mahabalipuram.