Pillar of Katarmal Sun Temple

Description

This wooden pillar is from the Katarmal Sun Temple, built by the Katyuri king Katarmalla, near Almora in Kumaon. It is unique for its stature as the only Sun Temple in the hills- itself situated atop a hill, at 2,116 metres above sea level. The central deity of the Temple is the older solar deity Burhadita or Vraddhaditya, with forty-five smaller shrines to subsidiary deities in the complex. The absence of carving on one side indicates that this pillar was also not freestanding, likely being attached as a pilaster to a wall. The other faces of the pillar show intricate wooden carving, which has mostly survived through time. The central figure here is likely that of an attendant or a yaksha, behind whom one finds extremely elaborate carvings in layers of bands. On the sides, one also finds semi-floral motifs of blooming flowers, surrounded by carvings of vines and tendrils. Above the same is a band of floral motifs, crowning which is an elaborate capital- decorated with naga-like motifs of snake-men emerging with folded hands at the corners. The top of the pillar is carved with detail, intertwined with the snake torsos. Above the pillar, one finds another wooden slab placed perpendicular to the pillar, like a beam. This too is cut and carved in curvilinear styles, replicating foliage, flowers and leaves on both sides. This pillar marks apt usage of detailed carving, interspersing it with simplicity. What is most notable, however, is the durability of the wooden material used- considering the usual decay of wood, the current condition of the pillar is impressive.