Katarmal Sun Temple

Katarmal Sun Temple, historically known as Bara Aditya Temple, is an extraordinary 9th century temple complex built on a mountain terrace at an altitude of 2,116 meters near Kosi village. Positioned 19 kilometers from Almora, it is considered the second most important Sun shrine in India after Konark in Odisha.

Constructed during the reign of the medieval Katyuri dynasty by King Katarmalla, this protected Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monument features a towering central shrine honoring Surya Dev (Vridhaditya or the Old Sun God) surrounded by 44 smaller stone subsidiary shrines built across stone terraces.

Katyuri Stone Masonry and Solar Alignment

The temple exhibits remarkable ancient astronomical engineering. The sanctum doorway is aligned so that the very first rays of the morning sun fall directly onto the central Surya lingam on equinox days.

The complex features exquisitely sculpted stone pillars, friezes depicting deities and dancers, and carved wooden door panels (the original carved 10th century wooden doors are preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi for safety). A short 1.5 kilometer stone trail ascends from the roadhead through pine groves, offering expansive views across the Kosi valley.

Located near Almora, Katarmal Sun Temple is an essential architectural and spiritual heritage destination across Uttarakhand.