Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Chitai Golu Devta Temple is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Golu Devta. This temple is located in Chitai village of Almora district and is located about 4 kilometers from the main gate of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and about 10 kilometers from Almora. Golu Devta is worshiped as the god of justice, and devotees from far and wide come to worship him.

Tradition of Golu Darbar: People's faith and reverence for Golu Devta is so deep that people remember him for his justice and solution of problems. It is believed that Golu Devta used to travel around his kingdom on his white horse and listen to the problems of the people and solve them. It was called Golu Darbar. Even today, the practice of Golu Darbar is prevalent in many villages of Uttarakhand. Under this, Golu Devta appears before the people, listens to their problems, and helps them in every possible way.

Beliefs of devotees and importance of Golu Devta: The faith of devotees towards Golu Devta is so high that they offer their petitions in writing in the temple. It is believed that Golu Devta provides justice quickly and solves the problems of the devotees. This is the reason why hundreds of petitions can be seen hanging on the walls in the form of letters every day in the Chitai temple.

Birth story of Golu Devta: There are many stories prevalent related to the birth and origin of Golu Devta. According to a famous legend, once a king went to the forest for hunting and sent his servants in search of water. Those servants disturbed a woman who was praying. The woman angrily taunted the king that he could not separate two fighting bulls and started doing it herself. The king was very impressed by this act and married that woman. When the woman gave birth to a son, the jealous queens put a stone in place of the child and locked him in a cage and threw him into the river. But that child was raised by a fisherman.

When the child grew up, he came to the river riding a wooden horse. The queens asked him what he was doing. He replied that if women can give birth to stones, then wooden horses can drink water. Hearing this, the king came to know the truth. After this, the king punished the jealous queens and made that boy his successor. This boy later became famous as Golu Devta.

Mahashivratri and Golu Devta: The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp in Chitai Golu Devta temple. At this time, devotees from far and wide come to the temple to receive blessings. During this time, special worship and rituals are held, in which a large number of devotees participate.

Golu Devta's worship method and offerings: Golu Devta is especially offered white clothes, white turban and white shawl. Ghee, milk, curd, halwa, puri and pakodas are offered as his favorite offerings. His devotees offer these things with the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled.

Importance and effect of Golu Devta: Golu Devta is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and people have a deep faith in him. Apart from Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand, devotees from other states also come to visit this temple. His devotees believe that Golu Devta is a just god and presenting a petition in his court in any kind of unjust situation definitely brings justice.

Chitai Golu Devta Temple and its beliefs are an important part of the culture and faith of Kumaon. This heritage related to the worship of Golu Devta has been going on from generation to generation and is still performed with the same devotion.

Interesting Facts About Chitai Golu Devta Temple

• God of Justice: Golu Devta is worshipped as the God of Justice in the Kumaon region. His devotees believe that he dispenses justice quickly. People write their problems and petitions on paper and offer them to the temple so that they can get quick justice.
• Tradition of Petitions: There is a unique tradition of offering paper petitions in Chitai Golu Devta Temple. Devotees write their problems in detail here and hang them on the walls or vines of the temple. These include petitions related to job demands, family disputes, legal issues, etc. It is believed that Golu Devta reads these petitions and dispenses justice.
• God riding a white horse: It is believed that Golu Devta's favorite vehicle is a white horse. It is believed that even today he comes to help his devotees riding a white horse.
• Golu Darbar: A special practice called "Golu Darbar" is followed in many villages of Uttarakhand. At Golu Darbar, people symbolically worship the presence of Golu Devta and seek solutions to their problems from him. This tradition continues even today and is very important for the devotees of Golu Devta.
• Place of first visit after marriage: According to local traditions, newly married couples in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand visit the Chitai Golu Devta temple for darshan. It is believed that it brings happiness and prosperity in their married life.
• History of the temple: The Chitai temple of Golu Devta is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Although the stories and tales related to its construction vary, this temple has been the center of devotion and faith of the local people for centuries.
• Temple bells: Another special feature of the Chitai Golu Devta temple is the bells here. There are hundreds and thousands of bells installed in the temple premises, which devotees offer after their wishes are fulfilled. These bells are of different sizes and metals and when the wind blows, these bells produce a unique music.
• Nearby tourist places: The area of ​​Chitai Golu Devta temple is full of natural beauty. A variety of flora and fauna can be seen in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary located near the temple, which is an additional attraction for the tourists coming here.
• Festival of Mahashivratri: The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp in Chitai Golu Devta temple. During this time, devotees from far and wide come here for special worship. Fairs are also organized in the temple on this occasion, in which a glimpse of local culture and traditions is seen.
• Unique idols and architecture: The architecture of Chitai temple and the idols located here have their own unique attraction. The idol of Golu Devta and the idols of other gods and goddesses are a wonderful example of local craftsmanship and art.