Rock-cut Masrur temple in Kangra faces neglect

Raghav Guleria

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Dharamsala, January 22

The world-acclaimed rock-cut temple situated at Masrur village in Kangra district, which is known as the ‘Ajanta and Ellora’ of the north, is in a state of utter neglect. This colossal structure bears testimony to the exemplary etching and chiselling techniques practised centuries ago. Considered as a jewel in the world of sculpts, this monument has been an attraction for tourists, who came in a good number, but the road leading to the temple needs repair.

Tourists coming to have a glimpse of this 8th century marvel feel disappointed with the condition of the road. The authorities concerned have failed to pay attention to repairing the potholed road and the path washed away during the monsoon last year.

No tourist info centre, guide

• There has been no facility or provision of development works at the site even though a Congress MP had adopted Masrur village for quite a long time
• The Department of Tourism has failed to create a tourist information centre or appoint a guide, who can help tourists decipher all that goes unnoticed
• Masrur has been included in Swadesh Darshan, a government initiative to promote tourist destinations, but connectivity seems to be a serious concern

There has been no facility or provision of development works at the site even though a Congress MP had adopted Masrur village for quite a long time.

The ground reality is contrary to the claims of the Department of Tourism of making it a preferred tourist destination. Such a unique monument that delicately entwines intricate carvings from vibrant mythological scenes is undoubtedly an optical embodiment of unparalleled sculptural beauty, lone in the world where Lord Shiva is seen coronated.

It holds the potential to help in realising the government plan to make Kangra the tourist capital of the state. Unfortunately, many valuable pieces were lost in the 1905 earthquake, which had devastated the entire Kangra district.

Still there are many interesting pieces of our cultural remnants, which draw the attention of a fond eye.

The visitors need to be shown these hidden, yet long-forgotten treasures. A guided tour to these monolithic monuments can add value to their aesthetic significance. The Department of Tourism has failed to create a tourist information centre or appoint a guide, who can help tourists decipher all that goes unnoticed.

The outsourced staff appointed by the Archaeological Survey of India seem to be only concerned about collecting the entry fee. The temple is endangered as people have an unhindered access to treasured masterpieces. Improved connectivity can be a boon to the Pong wetlands, transforming it into a tourist hub.

The Deputy Director of Tourism says that Masrur has been included in Swadesh Darshan, a government initiative to promote tourist destinations, but connectivity seems to be a serious concern. He adds that a proposal was sent to the directorate but was returned as the Department of Tourism had no mandate to construct a road.