Image Source: Shubham Rauthan
About Surya Temple
Located in the Tehri Gharwal district of Uttarkhand, Suri Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Surya (the sun god). In Palethi Bangarh, a serene village is nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. The temple reflects back the ancient sun worship practices in India.
Whenever we think about sun temples in India, the image of the Konark temple in Orissa arises in our mind. But there are many temples dedicated to the sun that we have no information about. One such is Katarmal Almora and the other is in Palethi Tehri Garhwal.
Mythology and Folklore
A group of temples was discovered by villagers during excavations. One temple is dedicated to Sun and the other is to Shiva. An idol in the temple is made of stone and dedicated to God Surya. The design of the temple is different from the temples in the south. According to Brahmi script found on the stones of the temple, which is not clear, it is believed that the temple was built during the 7th and 8th centuries during the Tehri rule.
Architecture
One of the oldest temples of Uttarakhand, it is believed the Paleti sun temple was constructed between 675 and 700 AD. From the writings of Raja Kalyan Burman and Adi Burman, which are written in the Uttara Gupta (Brahmi) script and present on the rock board of the temple It’s believed the Paleti sun temple was constructed in the 7th century.
Designed in the Phansana style, the temple rose to a height of 7.50 metres with two idols of the sun god, 1.2 meters high, made of stone, installed in the temple. At the entrance of the temple, Suryadev, riding the chariot on the horse, speaks volumes about the art prevalent in the region.
Festivals and Rituals
Makar Sankranti: This festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. On this day, devotees celebrate with devotion and offer prayers to Lord Surya.
Chhath Puja: Not as prominent as other parts of India, the spirit of Surya worship during Chhath Puja resonates in this region as well.
Nearby Attractions
- Tehri Dam: The largest dam in India, offering stunning views and water sports activities.
- Devprayag: A sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
- Dhanaulti: A tranquil hill station with eco-parks and trekking opportunities.
- Chamba: A quaint town offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 100 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, approximately 80 km from the temple.
- By Road: Paleith Bangarh is well-connected by roads, and buses or taxis can be hired from nearby towns like Tehri or Rishikesh.