Surya Mandir Katarmal

Surya Mandir Katarmal is the second most important sun temple. This appealing temple, located at Katarmal near Almora, Perched at an altitude of 2116 mts, the temple is venerated to Sun God. Built in the 9th century by Katarmalla, a Katyuri king, the temple is famous for its architecture reminiscent of the monuments constructed by the Katyuri rulers.
History Of The Temple:
Kumaon region was under the rule of Katyuri dynasty during the early medieval era. This province was under their control from 7th -11th century. The expanse of their kingdom ranged from Garhwal to Kumaon hills and even to western Nepal in the north eastern region, their capital being Bajinath, a tiny place near Almora.

Katyuri kings were able warriors and great believers of god especially the Sun God who is considered as an epitome of courage and wisdom. They erected a number of magnificent temples during their sovereignty. In Almora district alone, there are more than 400 temples erected by Katyuri dynasty. Monuments constructed during that era had some unique features such as stone walls, metallic figurines, exquisitely carved pillars and wooden doors.

Features Of The Temple:Katarmal sun temple also possesses few distinctive features. The walls are made up of stones as an alternative to bricks. Massive pieces of rocks were exhumed and transferred over to the mountainous region. Metal clamps were used to grip these stones. Illustrious for its outstanding design, the temple is unique in itself. Its marvelous architecture, intricate figurines made up of metal and stone, breathtakingly beautiful carvings on the pillars and exquisitely cut out wooden doors all add up to the majestic aura of the temple. The main deity of the temple is Burhadita or Vraddhaditya which means 'the old sun God'. The icon of surya in the temple can be dated back to the 12th century. Other ruling deities in the temple are Shiva-Parvati and Lakshmi-Narayan, whose figurines are also present in the temple.
The place of worship is located within the premises of a temple complex. With more than 40 shrines in the region, all made in same pattern, this temple stands as a testament of the bygone era. The present mandapa of the main temple and of other shrines within the complex have been built much later. Burdened by the roots of the trees climbing on them, some of the smaller shrines have quietly leaned to one side. Having faced the ravages of time, the temple has depredated and is not in a very good state. But this has further enhanced the charm of the temple due to its prominent feature of being-in-the- boondocks. It hasn't received the kind of attention it commanded. Even the authorities have not helped much in the upkeep of the temple.
Katarmal sun temple is located in a secluded place and there's no proper route to the temple. No means of transport is available after River Kosi and to reach the temple complex, one needs to walk on foot. The option of trekking is also available if you want. This place is becoming a rage amongst foreign tourists who are fond of adventure and are comfortable with trekking.
Although Katarmal sun temple stands amidst ruins, but still it is visited by the devotees who come here to seek the blessings of Sun God.