look news india
There is such a historical miracle hidden in the beautiful and valley-filled Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, which even modern engineers are stunned to see. We are talking about ‘Masroor Rock Cut Temple’, which is also called ‘Ellora’ of North India. Generally, temples around the world are built tall by joining bricks, cement and stones together, but the story of the construction of Masroor Temple is completely different and surprising.
This is the only temple in North India which does not have any joint anywhere. The shape of this grand temple has been given by carving an entire hill of huge sandstone from top to bottom. According to the documents of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the research of famous historian H. Shuttleworth, this ancient artwork has been considered as the most unique and rare example of Indian architecture.
Unique confluence of history and folklore: King Jashpal or the unknown abode of Pandavas?
There are two very interesting stories prevalent about the history of this temple. While on one hand a large section of historians believe that this amazing complex was built in the 8th century during the reign of King Jashpala, on the other hand a different belief has been prevalent in the local society of Kangra for centuries. According to local folklore, when the Pandavas were spending their exile in the Dwapar era, they started the construction of this temple at this very remote and quiet place.
It is said that due to lack of time, Pandavas could not complete the construction work of this entire temple complex. Even today, if you visit Masroor Temple, you will clearly see incomplete carvings and incomplete work in many parts, which further deepens the mystery of this historical place.
Magical group of 15 temples and unique carvings like Ajanta-Ellora
If we talk about the structure and architecture of this temple, then the entire complex looks like an ancient city. This rock-cut complex has a group of 15 temples, small and big, in the center of which is the main and largest temple. Inside this main sanctum, very beautiful and ancient statues of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, Lakshman and Mother Sita are present.
On scanning the pages of history, it is found that the fine carvings done on the pillars and walls of Masroor temple match to a great extent with the world famous Ajanta and Ellora caves of Maharashtra. Despite being hidden among the mountains and forests for centuries, historians and art lovers from India and abroad consider it one of the most precious cultural heritages of India.
The magic of Masroor Lake: History of stones floating in water
What makes the beauty of Masroor Rock Cut Temple the most magical and alive is the huge and historical pond located right in front of it, which the local people call Masroor Lake. During the day, when the sky is clear and the bright rays of the sun fall on these ancient carved stones, a wonderful shadow of this entire giant temple is seen floating in the calm water in front.
Seeing this inverted reflection of the tall peaks of the temple inside the sacred and still water of the lake is no less than a divine and magical feeling for the tourists. Tourists coming from all over the country and the world sit here for hours and capture this supernatural and relaxing view in their memories.
Even the terrible Kangra earthquake of 1905 could not shake the foundation of
In the year 1905, a devastating and severe earthquake occurred in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, which caused massive devastation in the entire area. This natural disaster also caused some damage to the historical heritage of Masroor, traces of which can be seen even today. But the miraculous thing is that the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple and its central part survived completely safe even after this terrible shock.
Even today, after centuries, this magical rock-cut temple stands proudly with all its strength and grandeur. If you are also planning to visit Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, then do not forget to include this ancient and mysterious wonder of Kangra in your list. This history written by cutting stones reminds us what an amazing wealth of science, thinking and art our ancestors had.