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DHARAMSALA, INDIA, August 31, 2003: Himachal Pradesh has the reputation for being the land of Gods and Goddesses and is known as Devbhoomi. The state has many historical and modern temples of various sects. The Masroor temple located in the Jawali sub-division of Kangra district, around 35 miles from Dharamsala, is one such temple. The rock-cut temple is a unique example of monolithic structure in the sub-Himalayan region. The beautiful and complex structure of this temple stands on a hill crest and was erected around the 8th century. In the center of the complex stands the main temple, the most elaborate carved shrine, the Thakurdwara that enshrines the black stone images of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxmana facing east. According to archaeological evidence, it appears this temple was originally dedicated to Lord Siva but after a 1905 earthquake, it was converted into the abode of Lord Rama. The exact period of the construction of the temple is not certain, however, on the basis of architecture and sculptural decoration, this temple has been assigned a date somewhere between 8th and 9th century AD. Because of its architecture and sculptural importance, the Masroor temple was declared a protected monument of national importance by the Archaeological Department of India. The locals are allowed to offer prayers only on two big days of Ram Navami and Janamashtmi and have to buy a ticket like other tourists to go inside on other days of the year.

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