Sun Temple, Katarmal, Uttarakhand

Sun Temple, Katarmal, Uttarakhand

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located at Katarmal Village in Almora Tehsil in Almora District in Uttarakhand, India. This Temple is situated at an altitude of 2116 meters above sea level in Kumaon hills. The Temple is also called as Bara Aditya Temple. This temple is considered as one of the ancient sun temples of India. The temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.

History

The Temple was constructed in 9th century CE by King Katarmalla of Katyuri Dynasty. The present image of Surya in the temple dates back to 12th century CE.  The carved wooden doors and panels were transported to the National Museum, Delhi, after a 10^th century idol was stolen in this temple. The wooden doors & panels and baked brickbats available at the site suggest that originally the temple was made of brick and wooden architectural members which might have been replaced by existing stone temple during 12^th - 13^th century AD. However, subsidiary shrines in the complex shows the continuity of construction of temples at Katarmal even in the later date.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/11/sun-temple-katarmal-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kosi Market, 15 Kms from Almora Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Almora, 33 Kms from Ranikhet, 81 Kms from Nainital, 99 Kms from Kathgodam Railway Station and 132 Kms from Pantnagar Airport. The temple is situated in Katarmal village which is not linked with road. Buses / taxis are available till Kosi. Devotees need to walk 2 Kms from Kosi village to reach this temple.

Location