Katarmal Sun Temple: The Ancient Marvel
Introduction
Katarmal Sun Temple is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Kosi village of district Almora and at a distance 17 Km from Almora city Centre. The elevation of temple from sea level is 2116 meter.
The temple is constructed by the Katyuri Kings named Katarmalla in the 9th century CE includes 44 smaller temples of various deities around the main deity of Surya which called as Burhaditya or Vraddhaditya.
Dear readers, this blog will take you to this ancient marvel virtually and ensure assistance while your trip, covering all major facts and other key things to consider.
Architectural and Astronomical Intelligence
The temple’s architecture designed in a Nagara style with features like the shikhara (tower) which includes sophisticated carvings. The temple’s main sanctum deity Surya is surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.
The temple’s design ensures that the first rays of the rising sun illuminate the main deity’s idol only during solstices On October 22, when the Sun moves from Uttarayan (north) to Dakshinayan (south), then the Sun’s rays fall on the idol and when the Sun moves from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan, then on February 22, the Sun’s rays fall on the idol of God.
This remarkable alignment is an example of deep understanding of ancient Indians for the religious architecture.
Epilogue
The Katarmal Sun Temple in Almora stands as a beacon of India’s ancient architectural and astronomical knowledge. Its enduring beauty and historical significance make it more than just a temple; it’s a testament to human creativity, devotion, and a deep understanding of the cosmos.
You will be be delighted by its charm, we must strive to protect and preserve this radiant gem for generations to come, ensuring that the legacy of Katarmal Surya Mandir continues to shine brightly on the tapestry of India’s cultural heritage.
Important Facts
- Katrmal Sun Temple is the second largest sun temple of after Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple, however its remains a lesser-known gem.
- The G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development established in Katarmal in 1988 by Government of India serves as a nodal agency for research and development.
- Due to robbery the carved wooden doors and panels were transported to the National Museum, Delhi to ensure safeguard of monuments.
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) listed the Temple under protected heritage sites of the
- Katrmal Sun temple demonstrate the architectural ability of the Katyuri Dynasty, the mighty regents who ruled the land in the ancient past and carry through Construction of more than 300 temples in Uttarakhand
- The temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the government’s Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 and while that enables its upkeep, there is a plan to return the spotlight to this grand temple again.
Best Time to Visit
Visitor comes to this heritage round the year. However, most of the visitors visited here in Feb to June and Oct, November month. During winter season in December and January fewer visitor being observed.
How to Reach
Katarmal Sun Temple distance from Almora City is 17 Km. and from Kathgodam is 134 Km. It is suggest to hire taxi from Almora and Taxi or Bus can be taken from Kathgodam. You can take your personal vehicle up to Kosi village.
Major Attractions
- Famous for: Religious, Heritage, Historical, monuments, sight-seeing, Photography
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
- Visiting Time: 6 AM-12 PM and 3 PM-7 PM
- Visit Duration: 2-3 Hrs
Activity
- Trek to the temple from Almora City can be a wonderful experience along the ancient Kausthiki River and with serine beauty of this hill place.
- Lost in the beauty, calmness and serenity of this hill destination also the Kumauni culture must be explored during the visit.
- The Special sweets of the Almora known as Bal Mithai and Singhauri are the must tried cuisines.
- Make sure you get a taste of the local culture of the people and the entire Katarmal Valley.
