Katarmal Sun Temple in Almora

Katarmal Sun Temple in Almora - Almora Tourist Attraction

To be found 7 km from Almora, this is the 2ND most main temple devoted the Sun God in India after the Konark Temple, Orissa. It is believed to be more than 800 years old and is of great historical importance. The Temple is well-known for its intricate sculptures.

The Katarmal Sun Temple is a monument of historical importance and also is an example of intricate sculpturing. The first ray of the sun falls straight on this Sun Temple. Katarmal Sun Temple complex has one major temple, bounded by 45 smaller shrines elegantly carved temples nearby it.

The Katarmal Sun temple, noted for its superb architecture, artistically made stone and metallic sculptures and wonderfully carved pillars and wooden doors, the picture of Surya in the temple dates back to 12th century. The Katarmal Sun temple has some unique architectural approach and the images carved on the walls are very intricately complete. Though amidst ruins, it still stands as a main point of magnetism in the region and lots of devotees visit here to offer prayer to the Sun God. The Katarmal Sun temple is a main pilgrimage centre and magnetize thousands of Sun God devotes each year from different parts of the country and planet.

History of Katarmal Sun Temple Almora

Katarmal Sun temple was constructed by KATARMALLA, a Katyuri Raja, in the 9th century. In the near the beginning medieval era, Kumaon was lined by the Katyuri dynasty.

The major divinity of the Sun temple in Katarmal is known as Burhadita or Vraddhaditya. The idols of Shiva-Parvati and Lakshmi-Narayana are as well established in this temple.

The Katarmal Sun temple is now sheltered and preserved by the Archeological Survey of India and the government is also constructing road and can be without problems accessed by foot as a small attractive trek among the broad deodars leads you to the Sun Katarmal Temple.

In addition Katarmal and Konark, there are 3 other sun temples in the country are Modhera sun temple in Gujarat, Martand temple in Kashmir and Osia in Rajasthan.