The Gollu or Goljyu Devta, a manifestation of Lord Shiva in the shape of Gaur Bhairav, is the main diety of the Chitai Golu Devta Temple in Chitai Almora. Although there are many more temples in Almora, this one is the most well-known and revered. It is located on the Jageshwar Dham route in Uttarakhand, 8 kilometres from Almora.
It is said that if a worshipper asks for a wish with a clear conscience, his or her wish is granted! Gollu devata is he god of justice !
The temple can be recognised by the numerous bells hanging throughout the complex.
Devotees hang these bells as gifts while making wishes or as expressions of gratitude when those wishes come true.
On the tourism map, Chitai Golu Devta Temple is a significant religious attraction in Almora. For the residents of Almora and the nearby villages, it is the most revered temple.
Those who did not receive justice in court have covered the temple walls with court stamp papers. Thousands of bells that have been given by folks whose wishes have been granted are hung all around the temple.
History of Chitai Golu Devta Temple
According to history, Golu devta is regarded as the valiant son and general of Katyuri monarch Jhal Rai, his mother Kalindra, and grandfather Hal Rai. Champawat is recognised historically as the location of Golu Devta’s origin.
Two additional local deities, Harishchand Devjyun and Sem Devjun, are thought to be his mother’s siblings.
Legend of Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Another legend claims that once a king went hunting in the wilderness and became thirsty. He then instructed his servants to bring him some water. The maids intentionally woke up a woman who was in the middle of meditation. The lady won the king’s affection, and they got mrried.
The other queens became jealous of her and threw the newborn baby into a well and a fisherman found it. They replaced the baby with a stone.
Years later when the prince realized who he really was, So he took a wooden horse and in front of the king tried to make the horse drink water from the lake.
When the king notices this, he tells him that the horse wouldn’t drink water. To this the kid tells the king that if a woman can give birth to a stone, then why can’t a wooden horse drink water.
Realizing the truth, the king punished the other queens and his son went to be crowned and was known as the Gwalla Devata.
There are other tales that say Golu Devta was killed by the king of Binsar due to some false doubt and he was beheaded by the king. His head fell at Kaparkhan and his body fell at Gairad at Dana Golu where the temple now stands.
How to reach Chitai Golu Devta Temple?
- By Air: The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, which is about 127 KMs From Almora.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam which is at 90 Kms from Almora and Kathgodam is quite well connected to various parts of the country.
- By Road:
- Chitai Golu Temple is well connected through road network.
- Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option.
- You can either drive to Chitai Golu Temple or hire a cab/taxi to reach Chitai Golu Temple from Delhi or any other nearby cities.
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