Masroor Rock-cut Temple

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Masroor rock-cut temple. The central shrine is referred to as Thakurdwara

The Masroor rock-cut temple is a delightful 1-hr 15-min (35-km) drive from Vayu Kutir going first along the Mubarkpur - Dharamshala national highway (NH) towards Dharamshala and then turning westward at Ranital on to the NH going to Pathankot.

The Pathankot highway drive is very scenic - it takes you through pine forests and vast stretches of farmland interspersed with small hills.

According to legend, the temple dates back to the time of the Pandavas. It consists of a Sanctum Sanctorum, vestibule, assembly hall and an entrance porch. The central shrine, locally referred to as Thakurdwara, was carved as a cave in the rock. The exteriors along with the doorways were embellished with highly ornamental carvings.

The temple is believed to be devoted to Lord Shiva. The sanctum enshrines idols of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, accompanied by his pious wife and virtuous brother Lakshmana.

The temple is on high ground facing NE towards the Dhauladhar range.There is a high school next to the temple with very sweet kids, extremely dedicated staff but dilapidated building in urgent need for repair! The temple which was carved perhaps centuries ago from a single giant boulder is in very fragile state. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is doing its best to preserve the temple that received a sever shakedown during the 1905 Kangra earthquake. (The earthquake completely razed several other rock-cut temples in the area.




The worried ASI staff doesn't want heavy construction machinery to operate in the vicinity of the temple fearing the noise and vibration would make the temple crumble. As a result, the state government is unable to repair the school buildings.

The dedicated teachers of the school are doing justice to the nobility of their profession by holding classes in the open. The school children appear unfazed by the predicament resulting from the sincerity of the staff of two government institutions unwittingly placed at loggerheads!


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