Chitai Golu Devta Temple
The popular Temple of Chaiti Almora is considered Golu (Golja) Devta Chaiti, a reincarnation (Avatar) of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairava. Though there are many temples of Golu Devta in Almora, the Chitai Golu Devta Temple is considered the most sacred. If one prays for it in all humility and good faith, it is said that it grants any wishes. It lies at a distance of 9kms away from Almora. The well-known god of justice is called as, Golu Devta.
Why to Visit Chitai Golu Devta Mandir
A maximum number of worshippers pray for the justice that has been missed due to the wrongs committed on themselves and/or their descendants. They do it using white cloth, pagri and white shawls during their prayers for Golu Devta. It has been perceived that God needs a bell and the several thousand bells hanging on the temple precincts show it. Even one could go ahead and write to his supplication through Gollu Devtas. Letter, stacks, and bells are all pinned all over the temple.Places to Visit in Almora
- Chitai Golu Devta Temple
- Bright End Corner, Almora
- Martola
- Kalimat Almora
- Deer Park, Almora
- Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum
- Simtola
- Katarmal Sun Temple
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Kasar Devi
- Nanda Devi Temple Almora
- Lakhudiyar Rock Painting
- Jageshwar
History of Chitai Golu Devta Mandir
It is said that there was once a king who went into the forest for hunting and as the story goes, the king, in a dehydrated state asked his servant to get him water; however, the servant interrupted a woman who was concentrating on something. The other wives of the king were envious and took away the newly born baby replacing it with a rock, throwing the baby on a lake where a fisher man found it afterwards. After long the boy got awareness that he was born in palace. Then he decided to pursue justice upon his mother’s death. His actions are unbelievable here but the most striking thing is that he takes his horse on a journey to the lake and expects it to drink as well. Then, he addresses the king asking why the girl should not give birth to stone as well and so why the horse should drink the water However, the king realized his mistake and accepted him to be his son. After that, he used mare care and concern on these subjects, earning him a reputation as gwalla devta due to his justice.Mythological about Chitai Golu Devta
Gwala that refers to Gwala Devta, the deity who looked after cattle. There is an equally popular saying about Golu Devta, which says that if one rings 1000 bells, which are tied upon the neck of the sacred cow, they all will make just one bell sounding.” He believed that all his thirty-three crore gods could reside, or be present at one temple. Siblings of Golu devta include Kalva Devta-Bhairava and Garh Devi – Shaktima. In Kumaun villages, which are near Chamoli, Golu Devta is treated like Kull devata/ Ishta devata. Devotees do a three-day pooja or a nine-day pooja with offerings made in the name of Lord Golu Devta. Known as Gorreel Deyva of Chamoli.Read more about:
