Masroor Rock-cut temple is a beautiful architectural place with great archaeological history. People visit this place to witness the 15 monuments in this complex. The temple is 5 km away from Kangra. Timings of the temple are between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Masroor Temple Overview:
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Masroor Rock-cut temple is famous for its astonishing architecture. This place is also called the Ellora of Himachal and Himalayan Pyramids. The temple has built on a single rock which amazes the present generation of architects. . The temple is located in Kangra valley, in the Kangra district.
On the banks of the Beas, the Masroor Rock-cut temple attracts religious visitors from around the world. It flaunts its beautiful Indian architecture to the world, as the entire temple is made from a single rock.
The temple faces towards the northeast Dhauladhar range. The northern part of India is famous for its rock-cut architecture. Earthquakes ruined most of the parts.
Legend:
The locals believe that the Pandavaas of the Mahabharat epic lived here and spent most of their time. People believe that Pandavas constructed a secret stairway to heaven. They promised to construct the remaining part in the morning but couldn’t. Although this may be true many people don’t believe this.
After knowing this, Indra decided to stop the Pandavas from constructing the stairs. He incarnated in a crow and crowded lately, making the stairs incomplete.
History of Masroor Rock-cut temple:
According to the archaeological survey, the Masroor Rock-cut temple was between the 8th and 10th c. As it is one of the oldest places, finding the correct construction year became difficult.
Hieun Tsang, a famous Chinese traveller, once visited this place on his way to Kullu valley. He wrote about the temple’s prosperity and even about its architecture. Another traveller from Austria, named Baron Charles Hugel, visited here and thought about how it resembles the Ellora. Afterwards, many other travellers visitors visited this place.
Henry Shuttle, a British Official, once visited the Masroor temple in 1913. he brought the temple’s attention to Harold Hargreaves, an official of ASI. He wrote about this place in his findings in 1915, and since then, it has been under ASI’s protection.
The architecture of the temple:
Masroor Rock-cut temple was built in Nagar-Shikar style architecture, reflecting the ancient Indian style. This place is also called Himachalian Ajanta- Ellora temple because of the similar architectural style.
There are a total of 15 monuments carved, which have four entrances. The main entrance is in the east. The main attraction here is the Shivalingam in the centre of the complex. There are many idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The temple’s walls are carved with ancient Vedas that reflect Indian mythology.
Masroor Rock-cut temple Timings:
The timings of the Masroor Rock-cut temples are given below.
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Best time to visit:
During Shivaratri, many events are conducted along with rituals for Lord Shiva. Janmashtami is also celebrated widely in the Masroor Rock-cut temple. The nine days of Navaratri are grandly celebrated here with different events on different days.
The temple is beautiful every season, but it is advisable to visit during summer and winter, which is perfect for sightseeing. Avoid monsoons because the weather may be harsh during monsoons here.
How to reach the temple?
By air: There are no flights to reach Masroor Rock-cut temple. You can reach by coming to Gaggal airport, which is 15 km away. You can come to the temple by taxi or car.
By rail: No direct trains are available to Kangra. You can come here by reaching the Pathankot Railway station, which is 87 km away from Dharmasala.
By road: You can visit the temple by hiring private taxis or vehicles. Many public means of transport like buses are available.
Travel tips while visiting Masroor Rock-cut temple:
You should follow some important tips while visiting the Masroor Rock-cut temple. They are,
- Do not enter into the restricted area as it may be dangerous.
- Maintain silence inside the temple.
- Wear comfortable footwear and clothes because you may walk uphill and downhill.
- Do not take photographs in restricted are.
- Wear traditional or decent clothes to pay respect to the Indian culture.
- Hire a guide beforehand if you want to learn more about the place.
Other places to visit near the temple:
Along with Masroor Rock-cut temple, there are many other places to visit near the temple. Here is the list of the places you can visit after your 1-hour tour of the rock-cut temple.
- Kangra Valley
- Dal lake
- Kareri lake
- John in the Wilderness church
- State museum of Dharmasala
- Bhagsu Nag Temple
- Kangra fort
- Bajreswari Devi Temple
Accommodation near Masroor rock-cut temple:
Many affordable hotels can be in during your visit.
- D’Pola Club & Spa Resort
- Best western plus Revanta
- Prakriti Aalay
- Fortune Park Moksha Mcleodganj
- Angel’s Inn Resort
- Hotel Centrepoint.
Address:
Masroor, Lahalpur, Himachal Pradesh 176026
Contact details:
Phone number: +91 9459259060
People also ask
Which district is Masroor Rock-cut temple?
5 km away from Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
Who built the Masroor rock-cut temple?
Pandavas built the temple.
Which temple is also known as the Himalayan Pyramid?
Masroor Rock-cut temple is also called as Himalayan Pyramid.
What is the meaning of rock cut?
Various sculptures, temples, monuments, buildings etc., are carved on a natural rock.
What is the oldest rock-cut architecture in India?
The Barbar rock-cut caves.