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Katarmal
Sun Temple is at an altitude of 2116 meters above sea level, in
the Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand, India. Sun temple in Katarmal
built in the 9th century Katarmal near by Almora has the Second
important Sun Temple in the country, the first Sun temple being the
Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.
Location
of Katarmal Sun Temple :-
Situated 7 Kms from Almora, Uttarakhand. Katarmal Sun temple is around
70 kms away from Nainital.
History
of Katarmal Sun Temple
:-
Katarmal Sun temple was built by KATARMALLA, a Katyuri Raja, in the
9th century. In the early medieval period, Kumaon was ruled by the
Katyuri dynasty.
About
Katarmal Sun Temple :-
The Katarmal Sun Temple is a monument of historical importance and
also is an example of intricate sculpturing.
The main deity of the Sun temple in Katarmal is called Burhadita
or Vraddhaditya (the old Sun God). The idols of Shiva-Parvati
and Lakshmi-Narayana are also found in this temple.
Katarmal Sun Temple complex has one main temple, surrounded by 45
smaller shrines exquisitely carved temples surrounding it.
However, the intricately carved doors and panels have been removed
to the National Museum in Delhi after the 10th-century idol of the
presiding deity was stolen.
The Katarmal Sun temple, noted for its magnificent architecture, artistically
made stone and metallic sculptures and beautifully carved pillars
and wooden doors, the image of Surya in the temple dates back to 12th
century.
The Katarmal Sun temple has some unique architectural style and the
images carved on the walls are very intricately done. Though amidst
ruins, it still stands as a major point of attraction in the region
and many devotees visit here to offer prayer to the Sun God.
Besides Katarmal, there are four other Sun Temples in
India :-
– Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat
- Martand Temple in Kashmir
- Osia in Rajasthan
- Konark Sun Temple in Orissa
The Katarmal Sun temple is a major pilgrimage centre and attracts
thousands of Sun God devotes every year.
The Katarmal Sun temple is now protected and preserved by the Archeological
Survey of India and the government is also constructing road and can
be easily accessed by foot as a small beautiful trek among the thick
deodars leads you to the Sun Katarmal Temple. |
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