Katarmal Sun Temple is in Uttarakhand.
This 9th-century architectural masterpiece is located at an altitude of 2,116 meters above sea level, Katarmal Temple is the second most beautiful shrine dedicated to Surya in India.
The temple complex boasts 45 smaller shrines, dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmana, and Narayana.
Now, let’s talk about the climb to the temple. The 2-kilometer hike may leave you huffing and puffing, but the 360-degree view of the surrounding Kumaon hills interrupted by the Kosi river is breathtaking. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, you earned this view with all that sweat and panting.”
The temple’s intricate wooden and stone carvings are so mesmerizing that Lord Vraddhaditya himself would probably get distracted and forget about his Sun-chariot. Unfortunately, his idol was stolen, and all the wooden doors and panels of the temple were shifted to the National Museum in Delhi. So, don’t expect to see the idol or the doors on your visit.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring ample food and water supplies, especially if you don’t want to be hangry during the hike. And if you have any lung or heart-related problems, carry your meds. Oh, and wear sport shoes, unless you want to climb the hill in your fancy heels or sandals and risk becoming a meme on the internet.
So, grab your backpack, put on your adventure hat, and get ready to be awed by the Katarmal Sun Temple. It’s a national monument, after all !