Famous Temples in India

Architecture

This temple complex has been constructed by carving out monolithic rock in an intricate manner. This temple complex features a group of 15 monolithic rock cut shrines in which 14 temples are cut only from the outside, but central temple in this complex is also cut from the inside. In front of these temples is a rectangular pond which remains water-filled all through the year and reflects a magnificent image of these temples. The temple complex is now also known as Thakurwada, a term for Vaishnavite temples. The intricate sculptural detailing on the doors, jambs, lintels, walls, shikharas, and column capitals on the main shrine and other smaller temples consist of figurines of gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Parvati, Laksmi and Saraswati, and floral designs. The magnificent structure built with a cruciform design bears striking similarity with the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Kailasa Temple at Ellora. The Ratha and Kailasha Temple are built in the Dravidian style, whereas the Masroor & Dharmanatha ones are in the Nagara style of North India. But unlike the other three, Masroor stands on the top of the hill and it is the only example of Nagara style temple built as the rock-cut construction. Since Nagara style of temples are mostly built as masonry construction while rock-cut temples are mostly cave temples.

The temple complex rests on a rocky ridge and is carved out of a colossal sandstone rock, which is about 757-meters tall. The monolith temple complex bears resemblance to the temples of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Some of the highlights of this complex include.

Thakurdwara - Facing east, the main temple of the complex is called ‘Thakurdwara’ and was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, but currently houses stone idols of Ram, Sita, and Laxmana – the protagonists of Hindu epic, Ramayana. Thakurdwara is largest temple in the complex and is stationed right at the centre. Interiors and exteriors of the Thakurdwara are engraved with beautiful and intricate stone carvings. Another interesting fact about this main temple is that it receives the first rays of the sun every day.

Roof Shrines - Thakurdwara is surrounded by seven small shrines, known as roof shrines. Beautiful stone carvings are sculpted on the exterior walls of these temples.

Masoor Lake - Right in front of this temple complex lays a beautiful pond known as the Masoor Lake. This lake is a remarkable piece of engineering as well. The detailed mirror image of each monolith temple is reflected on its clear water.

Shikhar - A pair of spires makes an entryway to the pillared hall (Mandapa). There are two cruciform shrines stationed inside the eastern court. The northern shrine has a 16-sided spire and each of these spires has been aligned to form multiple faces. The flat roof has small spires on the corners, and barrel vaulted structures lie amid these small spires.

Door Frames - The door frames of the temples feature beautiful carvings of Indian Gods and Goddesses namely Surya, Indra, Durga, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.

Ceilings - The ceiling of the sanctum and antechamber boast elegant lotus decorations that are encircled by diamond-shaped patterns. Each lintel features five deities seating on lotus, and the row above all the deities is decorated with peacock carvings.

Stone Staircase - Just like the legend claims, there is an incomplete stone staircase within the temple complex, which can be accessed by the visitors. The staircase leads to adjacent rocks of the same sandstone ridge, providing bird’s eye view of the entire complex.