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Katarmal Sun Temple, Almora

Katarmal Sun Temple is one of the popular religious sites located 16 km from the town of Almora. It is the second most important temple dedicated to the Sun God in the country after the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa. 

The temple complex is 800 years old, and the main temple is surrounded by 45 smaller temples. Though this ancient shrine is in ruins today, it is regarded as a major tourist attraction of Almora. The shrine is devoted to the Hindu God Burhadita or Vraddhaditya, the old Sun God. 

Devotees can also see the idols of the Shiva-Parvati and Lakshmi-Narayana in the temple premises. The architectural style of the temple is unique, and its walls are adorned with intricately carved images. According to records, this temple was built in the 9th century by the Katyuri king, Katarmala. 

The shrine, perched at an elevation of 2116 m above sea level, is east-facing. It is built in such a way that the first ray of the sun falls on the Shiva Lingam enshrined in the temple. The walls of the temples are made of stones, and the pillars are adorned with beautiful carvings. 

The wooden doors add attraction to the beautiful architecture of the temple. The idol of the presiding deity was stolen during the 10th century, so the carved doors and the panels were brought to the National Museum located in Delhi.

 

Katarmal Sun Temple Photos