The Katarmal Temple was built in the 9th century by the Katyuri kings, a Hindu Rajput dynasty who ruled over the region in that period and were responsible for the construction of nearly 400 temples in Uttarakhand alone
Although the temple ranks high in importance to India’s roster of grand sun temples, second only to Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple, it remains a lesser-known gem. Those who visit these parts sometimes chance upon this village and its hilltop temple, at all other times it remains a silent sentinel of time, quiet and largely forgotten.
The temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the government’s Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains. Act of 1958 and while that enables its upkeep, there is a plan to return the spotlight to this grand temple again.
Under the aegis of the central government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Katarmal will be developed as a spiritual village centred around the temple featuring a cafe, yoga centre, homestays and more. And maybe nearly a millennia after its inception, this sun temple will once again rise to its earlier glory.
Katarmal is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Kosi village and 12 km from the district centre, Almora[1] and 70 km from Nainital.[2] Located at a height of 2116 meters above sea level, it is well connected by road, 30 km away from Khairna, Garampani (Nainital, Haldwani, Coordinates: 29°29'39"N 79°28'46"E) & 33 km from Ranikhet and Kausani the nearest connecting point being near Kosi village.[1]
The G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, established in 1988 serves as a nodal agency for research and development and was established here by Government of India.[3]
