The Masrur Temples, also known as the Masroor Temples or Rock-cut Temples, are situated in the scenic Kangra Valley alongside the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, India. These temples are a remarkable example of rock-cut Hindu architecture from the early 8th century. The Masroor rock-cut cave temples are a well-preserved architectural wonder that attracts visitors, travelers, and history enthusiasts from all over.
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is one of four rock cut temples in India. The other three are:
- Rathas of Mammalapuram
- Kailasa at Ellora
- Dharmanatha temple at Dhammar in Rajasthan
“Monuments are the grappling-iron that bind one generation to another”
– Joseph Joubert.
Location
| Location Information | |
|---|---|
| Distance from Dharamshala-McLeod Ganj: | 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest |
| Distance from Kangra town: | 35 kilometres (22 mi) west |
| Distance from Shimla: | 225 kilometres (140 mi) northwest |
| Distance from Jalandhar: | 150 kilometres (93 mi) north |
| Distance from Pathankot: | 85 kilometres (53 mi) east |
| Nearest Railway Station: | Nagrota Surian |
| Nearest Airport: | Dharamshala (IATA: DHM) |
| Closest Major Airports: | Amritsar and Jammu |
| Altitude of the Temple: | Approximately 2,500 feet above sea level |
| Geographical Features: | In the Beas River valley, in the foothills of the Himalayas, facing the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar range |
A Glimpse into the Past
Origins and Orientation
The Masrur Temples, dating back to the early 8th century, are an embodiment of the North Indian Nagara architectural style. Facing northeast, these temples are strategically oriented towards the majestic Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, and Saura traditions of Hinduism, the surviving iconography reflects a henotheistic framework.
Historical Narratives
In accordance with local lore, the illustrious Pandavas from the Mahabharata are believed to have sought refuge at this site during their discreet exile, contributing to the construction of the temple. Scholar Khan suggests that the exposure of the Pandavas' identity and location prompted their relocation, ultimately resulting in the incomplete state of the temple complex. In the 20th century, a significant addition occurred as three small blackstone statues were introduced inside the shrine, facing east, depicting the revered figures of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita from the Ramayana.
One another popular theory suggests that the temple was constructed by Raja Yashoverdhan, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was initially dedicated to Mahadeva, as evidenced by the statue of Lord Shiva at the entrance. However, the exact date of its construction is unknown.
Dating back to Harold Hargreaves' visit in 1913, the central temple has been colloquially referred to as the Thakurdvara by the local community.
Architectural Marvels and Unfinished Ambitions
Monolithic Craftsmanship
The Masrur Temples are an architectural wonder, boasting intricately designed shikharas carved out of monolithic rock. The temples have a unique design, and their spiritual ambiance is enhanced by the incorporation of a sacred pool of water, as per the Hindu texts on temple architecture. Despite their grandeur, the Masrur Temples remain incomplete due to the loss of much of the original sculptures and reliefs, most likely due to seismic activities. Archaeological studies suggest that the temples were never finished.
Symmetrical Layout
-The Masrur temple site has a central shrine that faces Northeast towards the snowy Himalayan peaks of Dhauladhar range.
- It is an integrated monument with eight symmetrically placed subsidiary spires.
- The temple complex was carved out of natural sandstone rock.
- The complex includes a sacred pool on the east side, dating back to the early 8th century.
- The entrances lead towards the main sanctum through a series of mandapas with wall carvings and an antarala (vestibule).
- The Masrur temple has a square garbhagriha with each side measuring 13 feet (4.0 m). Inside the garbhagriha, there is a four-faced Shiva deity.
- The temple's sanctum and spire design follow the Kailasa style of Hindu temples.The Kailasa style has a central Shikhara (spire) in the middle, which is symmetrically surrounded by four smaller spires, situated between the four entrances to the temple from the four cardinal directions.
- The Masrur temple has all spires of the Nagara style. The Nagara style of architecture originated and flourished in central India before the 8th century. According to Meister, the Masrur temple plan fits the Kailasa design.
Divine Narratives in Stone
Vedic and Puranic Depictions
The Masrur Temples display elaborate reliefs portraying significant Vedic and Puranic deities. These reliefs are accompanied by captivating friezes that narrate ancient tales from Hindu texts. Visitors can embark on a visual journey through these legends. Despite the damages incurred over time, the surviving sculptures provide a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the era.
Rediscovery and Recognition
Structural Impact: Earthquake and Preservation
The right-hand section of the Masrur temple, captured along with its reflection in the sacred pool, shows signs of earthquake damage. By the late 19th century, the temple had already suffered some damage, but it was still in a good condition. According to Hargreaves, the remote location and inaccessibility of the temple played a dual role in its history – contributing to both its neglect and its fortunate preservation from the hands of various invaders in the valley. The devastating Kangra earthquake of 1905 caused widespread destruction across the Himachal valley region, leading to the collapse of numerous ancient monuments. Despite suffering cracks and portions collapsing, the Masrur temple survived the seismic event due to its monolithic construction, which was hewn from stone in-situ.
The combined impact of wars and the 1905 earthquake has posed challenges for comparative studies in the region. However, meticulous measurements and drawings conducted by an unidentified draftsman in 1887, focusing on the roof level and mandapa – elements that were obliterated in 1905 – have become invaluable resources for late 20th-century scholarly endeavors. These findings support Shuttleworth's early observations, emphasizing the "perfect symmetry of design" that defines the temple complex.
Archaeological Revelation
The Masrur Temples came to the attention of archaeologists in 1913 through Henry Shuttleworth's report. Harold Hargreaves from the Archaeological Survey of India independently surveyed the temples in 1915 and they were acknowledged as an example of surviving temple mountain-style Hindu architecture. The Archaeological Survey of India recognized the temple as a heritage site in 1913 for its unique architectural and aesthetic values.
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