Sun Temple, Katarmal – The
Temple
This Temple is situated at an altitude of 2116 meters above sea level in Kumaon hills. This Temple is facing towards east and is considered as one among the tallest temples in the region. The temple was built on raised a platform on the slopes of a hill and can be accessed through flight of steps from the eastern side. The main shrine consists sanctum, vestibule, gabled roof mandapa and an entrance porch.
The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The sanctum is square and triratha on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Surya. Presiding deity is called as Bara Aditya / Burhadita / Vraddhaditya (the old Sun God). The first rays of the sun falls on the presiding deity daily without fail. The image of Surya in the temple dates back to 12th century CE.
There is a wooden image in the sanctum, almost disintegrated, seems to be under worship prior to the existing temple. The sanctum is crowned with curvilinear shikara of nagara style. The main shrine is surrounded by 45 subsidiary shrines. Idols of Uma Mahesvara and Lakshmi Narayana are also found in this temple.
The temple is noted for its artistically made stone & metallic sculptures, beautifully carved pillars and wooden doors. The carved wooden doors and panels were transported to the National Museum, Delhi, after a 10th century idol was stolen in this temple. The temple complex has many damaged parts of the structure that include strange looking circular gear shaped structures that could be a representation of the sun.
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