PRENEETA SHARMA
Monuments are the grappling iron that binds one generation to another, and this is the hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh known as the Himalayan pyramid, which is binding the same.
Nestled in the Kangra district, MASROOR ROCK CUT TEMPLE is carved out of a monolithic structure in the Nagara style. This style of architecture is dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva, the gods of Vedic literature. It is said that the temple is connected to the Mahabharata era of mythology. The temple has idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, which were found here during the excavation, though it is believed to have been a Shiva temple.
BUILT IN THE 8-9 CENTURY CE
The temples, known locally as the Thakurvara, were likely built in the eighth or ninth century CE, and only fifteen of them remain now. The disastrous 1905 CE earthquake had a significant impact on many of these; in fact, some of them show obvious signs of rock masses shifting from their original locations. On a clear day, the temple silhouettes are attractively reflected by the little tank in front of the temple complex. Except for two shrines that stand independently on the same plane, all the temples have been dug from a single sandstone outcrop and at the same level. The center of the Masoor Rock Cut temples is mainly east-facing and is surrounded by eight subsidiary shrines, which is different from the five-shrined temples that are seen elsewhere in North India. 
ARCHITECTURE
The river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flank the main shrine’s door, and it’s probably the largest of its kind in Himachal Pradesh. The square garbhagriha has images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in Blackstone, but they belong to a much later period. The figure of Shiva in the center of the door lintel indicates that the temple was probably originally dedicated to him. The temples are famous for their amazingly detailed carvings depicting Shiva, Kartikeya, Indra, Surya, as well as many forms of the goddesses. Presently, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for maintaining the temples.
LOCAL BELIEFS
Some locals believe that while the Pandavas were in their exile, they were staying in this place and trying to build a staircase to heaven, which could not be made due to the interference of Indra Dev. The unfinished staircase in the Masroor rock cut temple holds the evidence for the same. Others think that it was built by the devotee of Lord Shiva, Raja Yashovardhan, who put Lord Shiva’s idol at the entrance of this temple.
Entry fees and timings
To enter Masroor Temple in Himachal Pradesh, Rs 20 is given as a fees. They accept cash as well as Digital . The temple remains open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. No food is allowed inside the temple premises.
