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The tales of the Himalayan Pyramids or the Masroor Rock-Cut Temple in Kangra Valley are very interesting. Not much is known about the construction of these monolithic rock structures.
Historians believe that, Masroor temple might belong to 6th or 8th century. There are 15 temples in this complex and many structures are unfinished. The ASI is trying for the status of a World Heritage Site, thus it is one of the prime locations in Himachal Pradesh tourism.
Well Connected Legends
Local legends say, Masroor temples were built by Bhima, the Pandava prince of the epic Mahabharata. Also, that Pandavas stayed here during their exile.
Another story indicates that Pandavas had to flea suddenly and they left the temple unfinished. That's why the construction of the many structures is not complete. Surprisingly, no one knows why the temple structures are incomplete!
Photo Courtesy: Vinaykant g
In Search of Historical Details
In 1875, there was a mention of the existence of the Himalayan Pyramids in Kangra Valley. It is only in 1913 - 1914, a British explorer reported it in ASI.
Various research indicated it to 8th century but no historical records have been found to place the exact period or dynasty which has constructed it.
Photo Courtesy: Suman Wadhwa
Deciphering the Style of Architecture
Masroor Temples have Nagara style of architecture. They were built out of sandstone rock and the structures resemble the temples of Ellora, Mahabalipuram, etc.
There are 15 towers (Shikharas) temples and the central temple is the biggest one among them. There is also a resemblance to Gupta style of architecture, thus dating it to 8th century.
The door of the main temple is called Thakurdwara and it has rich carvings.
Photo Courtesy: Prakash1972 2000
Vaishnava Traditions
Many carvings in the temple complex have the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Goddess Lakshmi. Even Karthikeya's (Shiva's first son) carvings are in the temple; indicating to the major Shaivite tradition.
However, today the main sanctum has the idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman and Goddess Sita. No one knows about this shift from Shaivism to Vaishnava traditon. It is attributed to a change in the ruling dynasties. Today, the villagers worship the idols in the temple.
Disaster Story
A major earthquake in 1905 is said to have destroyed many parts of the temple. Some main parts of the temple fell to ground during the calamity.
Reaching the Destination
Himalayan Pyramids are situated on a hill in Kangra Valley. It is around 35km from Dharamshala and a new 2km stretch is built from Pir Bindi near Lunj.
The backdrop Dhauladhar mountain ranges also attracts the visitors in this beautiful site.
Photo Courtesy: Kartik Gupta
Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley is a small town of Himachal Pradesh. This place is the surrounded by the vistas of Dhauladhar Himalayas and the scenic Beas river.
Himalayan Pyramids and Kangra Fort are the main attractions of this valley. Dharamsala is around 30km from this picturesque valley.
Photo Courtesy: Truewebsolution
