Katarmal Sun Temple (Bara Aditya), Almora
Surya (Bara Aditya / Vriddhaditya) temple · Katarmal, Almora, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
Photo: Dr.GunjanPandey · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Katarmal Sun Temple, locally called Bara Aditya, is a Hindu temple to Surya at Katarmal village, about 17 km from Almora in Uttarakhand, at an elevation of about 2,116 m. It is the only sun temple in the Kumaon region, according to the Almora district administration and the Times of India.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Katarmal Sun Temple (Bara Aditya), Almora
The main temple is surrounded by a cluster of 44 smaller shrines, and is known for its carved pillars and doors and its stone and metal sculptures (The Tribune; Times of India). The deity is also known as Burhadita or Vriddhaditya, 'the old Sun' (The Tribune).
Heritage
History of Katarmal Sun Temple (Bara Aditya), Almora
The Tribune reports that the temple was built in the 9th century by Katarmalla, a king of the Katyuri dynasty, which ruled large parts of Kumaon between the 7th and 11th centuries; the image of Surya dates to about the 12th century, and an older idol was moved to the National Museum in Delhi.
In December 2021 the Times of India reported that Katarmal village was being developed as Kumaon's first 'spiritual village' under the Union government's Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Architecture and sacred features
A main shrine with 44 subsidiary shrines, and carved pillars and doors (The Tribune; Times of India).
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The final stretch is on foot; confirm conditions locally.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Location
How to Reach Katarmal Sun Temple (Bara Aditya), Almora
Road access ends at Kosi; from there it is a walk of about 1.5–3 km to the temple via Hawalbagh and Matela near the Kosi river. Pantnagar airport is about 142 km away (Almora district administration; Times of India).
Location: Katarmal, Almora, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
Nearest airport: Pantnagar (about 142 km)
More in Hindu temples in Uttarakhand · Surya (Bara Aditya / Vriddhaditya) temples
Questions
Katarmal Sun Temple (Bara Aditya), Almora: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Katarmal Sun Temple?
At Katarmal village, about 17 km from Almora, Uttarakhand.
Who built the Katarmal temple?
The Katyuri king Katarmalla in the 9th century, according to The Tribune.
Is it the only sun temple in Kumaon?
Yes, according to the Almora district administration.
How many shrines are there?
The main temple is surrounded by 44 smaller shrines.
How do I reach it?
Drive to Kosi, then walk the last stretch to the temple.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikipedia — Katarmal — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- District Almora, Government of Uttarakhand — Katarmal Sun Temple
- The Tribune — Sites and Scenes: Katarmal sun temple
- The Times of India — Katarmal, known for sun temple, to be Kumaon's 1st spiritual village
Further reading: Katarmal Sun Temple (Bara Aditya), Almora on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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