• Made in the mid-8th century, this photo feature covers Masrur rock-cut temples history, Architectural Style and Features, Unique Aspects & Similarities and Religious Significance. It is a not so known must visit Gem.

The Masrur Temples, nestled in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, represent a singular achievement in Indian rock-cut architecture. This complex of 15 monolithic Hindu temples, carved entirely from natural sandstone, offers a unique window into early medieval Indian art and spirituality.

“Masroor Rock Cut Temple is one of the four rock cut temples in India, namely Rathas of Mammalapuram, Kailasa at Ellora, and Dharmanath temple at Dhammar in Rajasthan.” Incredible India

 Temple overview. Tank is front. Back of temple is greenery.

“The main temple at Masroor is strategically aligned to the sunrise of the first day of the solar year, indicating the advanced astronomical knowledge possessed by its builders.” Incredible India

Side view with reflection in kund.

According to local folklore the Pandavas were associated with the temple.

It is at a height of 2,500 feet and offers a superb view of the Dhauladhar Range. The environment is serene.

1. History and Dating

Precise Dating: While local traditions are rich, archaeological and art-historical consensus places the construction firmly in the early 8th century CE, specifically between 750 CE and 770 CE. This dating is based on stylistic analysis of the iconography, architectural elements, and comparison with dated structures elsewhere in India.

Architectural Contemporaries: This period aligns with the flourishing of Nagara style in other parts of North India. The intricate details and craftsmanship reflect the peak of artistic expression during the Post-Gupta period in the region.

The 1905 Earthquake Impact: The devastating magnitude 7.8 Kangra earthquake of April 4, 1905, caused significant damage. While the core structure, being monolithic, survived, some of the elaborate shikharas (spires) and delicate carvings on the upper levels were lost or severely fractured.

Detailed reports from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the time documented the extent of the destruction. For instance, the main shikhara of the central temple was heavily damaged, altering its original profile.

Top view. Note curvilinear shikharas.

2. Architectural Style and Features

Nagara Style Prowess

Masrur is a rare example of rock-cut Nagara architecture in North India. The typical Nagara characteristics are evident -  

Curvilinear shikharas: Though damaged, the original curvilinear towers are discernible.

Multi-storeyed arrangement: The temples were designed with multiple levels, imitating structural temples.

Amalaka and Kalasha: The crowning elements, amalaka (ribbed stone disc) and kalasha (pot-finial), though fragmented, are consistent with the Nagara idiom.

Monolithic Grandeur and Scale: The sheer scale of carving an entire complex, including the main shrine (Thakurdwara), four subsidiary shrines, and surrounding elements, out of a single rock face is astounding. This feat required meticulous planning and execution over many years, may be decades. The main shrine itself would originally have stood at app 30-40 feet.

Cruciform and Mandala Layout: The temples are laid out in a cruciform (cross-shaped) configuration around the central shrine, mirroring the principles of Vastu Shastra and the traditional mandala designs found in Hindu temple architecture. This suggests a highly organized and symbolic architectural program.

Close up of one of the shikhara.

Close up of one of the smaller shikharas. 

According to the Kangra District site, “The temples were carved out of monolithic rock with a shikhara, and provided with a sacred pool of water. The temple has three entrances on its northeast, southeast and northwest side, two of which are incomplete. Evidence suggests that a fourth entrance was planned and started but left mostly incomplete, something acknowledged by the early 20th-century colonial era archaeology teams but ignored leading to misidentification and erroneous reports. The entire complex is symmetrically laid out on a square grid, where the main temple is surrounded by smaller temples in a mandala pattern.”

Elaborate Sculptural Program

The Masrur complex features a rich iconographic program with over 100 individual sculptures or panels. We need a Museum to house old sculptures. 

Collage of Temple entrance. It is a Shiv ji mandir though other deities are present.

Trimurti and Major Deities: The main deity in the central sanctum is identified as Sri Ram (Vishnu), flanked by Lakshmana and Sita. However, the prominent relief of Shiva (as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer) on the external wall near the entrance, along with carvings of Ganesha and Kartikeya, confirms a strong Shaivite patronage.

Additionally, large sculptures of Surya (the Sun God), Indra, and various forms of Devi (such as Durga Mahishasuramardini) are present, indicating a comprehensive pantheon.

Entrance to main temple. Closer view.

Note Tulsi in front and decorated panel. 

Fusion Deities: The presence of Harihara (syncretic image of Vishnu and Shiva) and Ardhanarishvara (half Shiva, half Parvati) is significant. (These are also found at Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram and Temples of Aihole, Karnataka).

These composite forms highlight the theological inclusivity and the attempt to reconcile different sectarian traditions prevalent during that era.

Traditional Narratives: Panels depict scenes from the Epics, Puranas, and Panchatantra fables, offering insights into cultural and narrative context then.  

Sacred Kund: The rectangular sacred pond in front of the temples, measuring approximately 50 x 30 feet (15 x 9 meters), collects rainwater and serves as a ritual bathing site. Its reflection of the temples creates a visually stunning effect, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Shiv ji. Credit Sangeeta – lifeisavacation.in 

Carvings temple panel. Please help with more information. Credit Sangeeta – lifeisavacation.in

Saptamatrika. 

Ceiling of temple sanctum. 

3. Religious Significance

Active Worship and Preservation: Despite being an archaeological site, the central shrine of the Masrur Temples remains an active place of worship.

The murtys of Sri Ram, Lakshmana, and Sita are relatively modern additions, likely placed there in the late 19th or early 20th century after the original primary deity (likely Shiva or Vishnu) was lost or damaged. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now maintains the site.

Festivals and Pilgrimage: The temples draw a significant number of devotees, particularly during major festivals like Maha Shivratri (February/March), Ram Navami (March/April), and Janmashtami (August/September). These occasions see a surge in visitors, highlighting the enduring spiritual connection.

Historical Evidence of Synehthesis: The diverse iconography, with equal prominence given to Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, and Devi, suggests a period of even synthesis in the Kangra Valley during the 8th century. It indicates that the patron rulers (whose identity remains largely unknown, possibly local Rajput chieftains) embraced multiple facets of the Hindu pantheon.

4. Unique Aspects & Similarities

"Ellora of Himachal": This moniker is well-deserved due to the complex's monolithic nature and ambition, directly comparable to the scale and artistry of the Kailasa Temple Ellora, Maharashtra, carved during the same general period by the Rashtrakutas.

Kailasa Temple, Ellora. 

However, Masrur is unique for its Nagara style in rock-cut form, whereas Ellora's Kailasa is predominantly Dravidian. 

Angkor Wat Connection (Speculative but Noted): Some scholars, like M.C. Sharma, have pointed out intriguing conceptual and design similarities between Masrur's cruciform layout and the famous Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, particularly in the arrangement of subsidiary shrines around a central axis. 

Angkor Wat. 

While direct historical links are not definitively proven, it suggests a pan-Asian architectural language or shared cosmological understanding. This observation, though academic, adds another layer of global significance to Masrur.

Under Known and Appreciated Gem

Despite its historical and architectural significance, Masrur is less known globally than some other Indian archaeological sites, making it a truly rewarding discovery for those who visit.

The Masrur Rock-Cut Temples stand as a remarkable testament to the skill, faith, and artistic vision of their creators, offering a tangible link to India's glorious past, even in their weathered and earthquake-scarred state.

How to reach Kangra from Delhi

Flight from Delhi to Dharamshala takes about an hour. Dharamshala to Kangra is only 17 kms. Bus from Delhi to Kangra takes about 11 hours.

Train - Nearest Station: Kangra Mandir Railway Station (narrow-gauge). Major Railway Station Nearby: Pathankot Junction (broad-gauge). From Delhi: Take a train to Pathankot (direct from New Delhi or Old Delhi railway station). Popular trains: Dhauladhar Express, Shalimar Express. Then board the Kangra Valley Toy Train to Kangra or hire a cab (2.5 hrs).

Kangra to Masrur Rock-Cut Temples is app 39 kms, takes an hour.

To read all articles by author  and To see all albums on Himachal

To see only albums of Kangra

1. Kangra Valley and 2. Dharamshala

Travelogues Himachal and Masrur Temples

1. The Best of Spiti Valley and Kinnaur in 15 days

2. Ten Off Beat places in Himachal Pradesh

3. Himalayas Digital on Masrur Temples

4. Good Masrur Temple pics and Here 

5. Nice piece by Wandering Mind on Masrur

Author - Vikas Sharma-Jugadu Engineer: From Ideas to Impactful Solutions, Amplified by Voice Jugadu Engineer was born from a singular vision: to transform abstract engineering concepts into tangible, real-world impact. What began as a humble idea has rapidly blossomed into a trusted partner for start-ups and NGOs seeking not just solutions, but genuinely impactful results. 

Check his U Tube Channel. Visit his website

Albums of Rock-Cut Temples in India

1. Kailasa Temple, Ellora

2. 5 Rathas Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

3. Jain Rock-Cut, Gwalior Fort – not temple, but rock-cut surely.  

eSamskriti is grateful to travellers/bloggers whose temple photos it has used to showcase Masrur Temples. Credits given as well.