About the TempleMasroor Himalayan Pyramid temple is a cluster of 15 monolithic rock-cut temples located at Masrur in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as 'Thakurwada'. The temple is built in shikhara style of Indo-Aryan architecture. The Masroor lake located in front of the temples shows a partial reflection of the temples. It is believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata constructed these temples who resided here during their "incognito" exile from their kingdom. The temple complex has an array of monolithic temples. The central temple known as Thakurdwara has extensively crafted carvings. The main shrine in the centre is facing towards the east with a group of seven small temples on each side. The temple has idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita which are made of black stone. Earlier, the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, it was reshaped into a shrine of Lord Ram. The image of Lord Shiva is present in the centre of the lintel at the main door. The entire theme of the temple revolves around the festivity and coronation of Lord Shiva. Hence, it is believed that originally, the temple was devoted to Lord Shiva.
Temple Full View
Temple Architecture
The history of Masroor Himalayan Pyramid temples dates back to the 7th–8th century. The temple’s architect reflects the architectural style of the Kailashnath temple of Maharashtra which also belongs to the same period.
The grandeur and magnificence of the idols, carvings and sculpture adorning the walls of the temple attracts a large number of visitors. Masroor temple suffered heavily in the earthquake which took place in 1905 and the temples partly turned in to ruins. Debris of the temples still lies around them. The awesomely ornamented carved temples are the only rock shrines in the northern part of India.
Temple Inner View
Temple Legend
According to a popular legend, the Pandavas spent a long period of their exile in this temple complex. They were constantly moving to protect their identity and location. This is the reason behind the unfinished work of the temple complex. The pond in front of the complex was built for ablutions.
Another story describes the existence of an incomplete staircase which is seen inside the temple. Pandavas constructed the staircase to reach the heaven. They took an oath to finish the construction by the dawn. This made Lord Indra tensed as the stairs would make the heaven easily accessible. So he took the form of a crow and crowed loudly before the early dawn. Hence, the Pandavas, could not complete the construction of staircase.Festivals and CelebrationsRam Nawami, Dussehra, Diwali and Janmashtami are the main festivals celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.
How To Reach
By Air: Gaggle is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 8 km from Kangra. Other airports are located at Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Una. Buses or taxi from here to reach Masrur.
By Road: Buses and private vehicles are available from Kangra and Dharamshala. Get down at Peer Bhindi bus station. From here, Masroor is only 3 km away.
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