Minister Rekha Arya prayed for prosperity during a grand fair at the Katarmal Sun Temple in Almora. This ancient temple is renowned for its architecture, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

Katarmal Sun Temple

Uttarakhand isn't called the Land of the Gods for nothing. Every valley, every mountain, and every forest here is deeply historically connected with some mythological tale or belief. A symbol of this faith is the Katarmal Sun Temple, an ancient Sun Temple located in Almora, Uttarakhand, built by the Katyuri kings in the 9th century.

Grand fair on the last Sunday of Paush

This temple is dedicated to the Sun God, and its architecture is unique. The temple houses 44 smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. A grand fair is held on the last Sunday of Poush (Paush), attracting devotees from far and wide. People worship the Sun God, perform rituals, and receive offerings.

Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya performed a puja.

State Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya visited the Katarmal Sun Temple, where she offered prayers and prayed for prosperity in the state and the country. The minister stated that the government is working to give the historic Sun Temple a grand look and has integrated the Manas Khand Fair with the Mission to attract more tourists.

On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister said that traditional fairs held in mountainous regions are symbols of our rich folk culture, religious faith, and historical heritage. Such events not only strengthen social harmony but also play an important role in passing on our cultural identity to the next generation.

She said that with the expansion of roads, communication, and other infrastructure, the Katarmal Sun Temple is developing into a major religious tourist destination. The number of devotees and tourists from both India and abroad is steadily increasing, strengthening the local economy.

Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya stated that the Archaeological Survey of India will soon begin beautification and conservation work at the Katarmal Sun Temple, for which a budget has been approved. This will not only preserve this historical heritage but also improve tourism facilities.

Policy of ' Development as well as Heritage.'

He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government is committed to beautifying, preserving, and promoting all major religious and historical sites in Uttarakhand. This effort is an important step towards realizing the concept of "Development as well as Heritage."

The Cabinet Minister stated that the current government is performing remarkable and unique work in the areas of employment generation, making difficult decisions in the public interest, and preserving and enhancing Uttarakhand's cultural identity. The government is continuously working diligently for public welfare in all areas. On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya performed a ritualistic worship and havan in the temple complex, praying for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

Speciality of the temple

The Katarmal Sun Temple is unique in that it is constructed in such a way that the first rays of the sun fall directly on the idol of the Sun God located inside the temple. This temple is renowned for its architecture, craftsmanship, and historical significance. The Katarmal Sun Temple has a long history and was built during the reign of the Katyuri kings. This temple was an important center for the worship of the Sun God and even today, it holds a renowned religious and historical significance.