Chitai Golu Devata Temple – God of Justice (Nyay)
In the Rigveda, Uttarakhand has been called Devbhoomi. A land where gods and goddesses reside. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this most sacred area is said to be the land of full action of sages. There are many wondrous temples of gods and goddesses in Uttarakhand. The fame of these temples is spread not only in India but also abroad. One of these temples is also of Golu Devata. Golu Devata is called the god of justice.
There is such a temple of Golu Devata in Uttarakhand, where by writing a letter, the wish is fulfilled, justice is received. The famous Temple of Chitai Almora is the Golu Devata Chitai temple, dedicated to Golu or Goljyu Devata an Avtar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav. He rides a white horse and is considered the one who always does justice. Although there are many temples of Golu Devata in Almora but the Chitai Golu Devata is the most sacred one. It is reputed to make every wish come true, When the wish is fulfilled, the bell is offered in the temple. You will get an idea that the wish of any Devotee sought here never remains unfulfilled.
Everything about Chitai Golu Devata Mandir, Almora: Chitai Golu Temple is on Pithoragarh Highway, eight kilometers from Almora. There is a grand temple of Golu Devata here. Inside the temple, there is an idol of Golu Devata in a white horse with a white turban on his head, holding a bow and arrow in his hands. Devotees from far and wide come to this temple to seek justice.
Makes every wish come true - Golu Devata travels so far distance on his horse to meet the people of his kingdom. Golu darbar used to take place by Golu Devata to hear the problem of
the people in every possible way. His heart is always open for the people to support them in a difficult time. He was always ready to help them in every possible way. He Devoted his life to the people due to this he led up a very simple life and always follow the principle of brahmacharya. Every year there is a ceremony held in many villages which are known as
jagar. Devotees perform 3 days or 9 days pooja and give offerings in the name of Golu Devata also known as Goreel Devata in the Chamoli region, Gollu Devata is also known as the kull
Devata. Golu Devata comes in the “Jagar” to listen to the problem of the people, asks about their justice inbhelf of injustice have done to them or their family and help them in every
possible way. Golu Devata is known as the god of justice. GoluDevata offered with a white cloth with Pigms and white shawl. Devotees offers Gee, Milk, Curd, Halwa, Poori, Pokuri
to Golu Devata Ji.
Inside the temple, a local singer sings praises to the God in a loud voice. Outside, pilgrims jostle for space to get a glimpse and blessings of their dear God.
How to reach Chitai Golu Devata Temple Almora Uttarakhand? The temple is 8 kms from Almora. It is well connected by road so you can easily reach there by either your own private vehicle or shared taxi cabs.
By Road;
Golu Mandir is situated at a distance of 390 kms from Delhi. If you want to visit this temple, then you will get a direct bus from Anand Vihar to Almora. Apart from this, you
can also go to Haldwani from Delhi first and then take a car from here to Almora.
By Air;
Delhi to Pantnagar and Pantnagar to Haldwani by Car/Bus and Haldwani to Almora by surface transportation. The nearest Airport is at Pantnagar, which is just 124 km away, traveller can book a taxi or can take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train;
The nearest Railway station is at Kathgodham, which is just 94 km away. Travellers can book a taxi over there or can take a bus to the temple.
Best Places to visit near Golu Devata Almora
• Bansar Wildlife Sanctuary
• KasarDevi Temple Almora
• ChaulikiJali
• MukteshwarDham Temple
• Nanda Devi Mandir
• Best time to visit – You can visit this beautiful temple throughout the year but the best time to visit this temple is March, April, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov.
• Location – Almora, Kumaon(It is just 9 km away from the Almora Main city)
• Entry fees: none (free)
• Exploration time – 2 hours
• Best part about this temple is that you will get an amazing view of the Kumaon mountains and the beautiful Himalayas.
Opening and Closing timings of the Chitai Golu Devata temple:
6 AM to 7 PM. Differs slightly based on the seasons. Entry is free.
By: Mr. Vijay Dalakoti