Masroor Rock Cut Temple in Himachal Pradesh, India

Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Kangra

Dubbed as the Himalayan Pyramid, Masroor Rock Cut Temple is a popular archaeological site in India is around 32 km from Kangra on Nagrota-Surian Link Road. A major part of the famous rock cut temples are in ruins yet one can study the relics clearly. According to different studies conducted by the experts the temple complex was built in between 8th-9th century AD. A group of 15 monolithic rock cut temples designed in Indo-Aryan style. The main shrines contain the stone idols of Rama-Laxman and Sita. It is claimed that all 15 temples are carved out of a single rock.

Legend

According to the local myths, the Pandavas spent a long period of time here in this temple premise during their exile. Another story tells about the existence of an incomplete staircase which is found inside the temple. It is said that the staircase was constructed by the Pandavas to reach heaven. They took an oath to finish the construction work by the same day morning. Listening to this Indra, the king of the Gods got tensed as the stairs would make the way to reach heaven easily accessible. So he disguised himself in the form of a crow and crowed loudly before the early dawn. As a result the Pandavas, could not complete the staircase.