Chitai Golu Devta temple is a 12th century old temple located 10 kms away from the centre of Almora, and among all the Golu Devta temples, this is one of the most sacred ones in India.Also known as God of Justice, Golu Devta is an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav. The temple is known for its wishfulling abilities, where people come with their unjust problems. It is believed that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled here and in return devotees hand copper bells here to thank Golu Devta for granting their wishes. The amount of bells surrounding the Chitai Golu Devta temple are so huge that it practically looks part of the architecture.
The Story Behind God Of Justice Aka Chitai Golu Devta Temple
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Once upon a time there was a king who was hunting in the dense forest of Almora, when he took a halt and sent his servant to fetch him some water. To fulfil his duties, the servant woke up a woman who was in deep meditation. The woman in anger fought with the king, which made the king fall in love with her.
Later, he married that woman and took her to his palace, where all his previous queens were residing as well. Due to jealousy, other queens started conspiring against her and waited for her son to be born. On the night of the birth, they replaced the son with a stone and threw the son in the river. But the son survived and in the future when he learns about this injustice, he decides to face the king himself.
One day he took a wooden horse to the riverside and made it drink water from the stream. The king asked him, ‘how can a wooden horse drink water’ and called him stupid. He subtly replied, in the same way a woman can birth a stone, a wooden horse can also drink water. Hearing this the king came back into his senses and accepted the son as his heir. Later, the son became the future king and treated his people with justice and kindness, which gave him the name God of Justice.
There are other stories attached to the Chitai Golu Devta temple, where the deity is also known as “Gwala Devta” where gwala means herder of cows. It is believed that if you tie a bell in the neck of a cow, it will ring as loud as 1000 bells ringing at the same time.
According to legends, Golu Devta had two siblings, one known as Garh Devi (known as form of Shakti) and Kalwa Devta (known as form of Bhairava).
Also Read: Golu Devta Temple
Worshippers Of Chitai Golu Devta Temple
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At Chitai Golu Devta Temple, devotees come from far away to make a wish. They perform rituals and pooja for 5 and 9 days according to their capacity. They also give offerings in the form of milk, curd, halwa puri, pakauri, and ghee. Golu Devta is known as the Istha Devta or key deity in the areas of Kumaon, Almora and various other parts of Uttarakhand including Chamoli.
Places To Visit Near Chitai Golu Devta Temple
There are various popular tourist attractions near Chitai Golu Devta Temple. Here is the list of some of the best attractions, offering a perfect blend of natural and spiritual heritage:
1. Nanda Devi Temple in Almora
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Nanda Devi temple in Almora is one of the most sacred Nanda devi temples in Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is known as the daughter of Kumaon region. It is believed that the Goddess has always protected the region and hence is known as the patron deity of the area.
Distance From Chitai Golu Devta: 6.6 kms away from Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Timings: 6 am–10 pm
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2. Kasar Devi Temple In Almora
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Built in the 2nd Century CE, Kasar Devi temple in Almora is one of the most popular places on Earth, as apart from being a religious place, it is also part of Van Allen Belt of the planet. It is believed that the geo-location of the temple has the same cosmic energy as Stonehenge in the UK and Machu Picchu in Peru, enhancing its popularity among travellers around the world. One must climb 100 steps to reach the top of the temple, and the temple has been visited by many known people including Swami Vivekanand, Bob Dylan, and D.H. Lawrence.
Distance From Chitai Golu Devta: 8.7 kms away from Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Timings: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
3. Binsar
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Binsar is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and Bird Sanctuary. There are various rare species of flora and fauna which can be seen at the sanctuary, along with unique birds which are on extinction. Being an iconic hill station, Binsar offers elegant Himalayan views at its backdrop.
Distance From Chitai Golu Devta: 24 kms away from Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Timings: 9 am to 7:30 pm
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4. Dunagiri In Almora
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Dunagiri is a hill station in Uttarakhand which has historic and cultural significance in India. It is believed that during Mahabharata, Pandavas took shelter here and Dhraunacharya also meditated here for a while. It is also known as the birthplace of Kriya Yoga which is a popular form of exercise in the whole world.
Distance From Chitai Golu Devta: 70 kms away from Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Timings: 5:00 am to 6:00 pm
5. Dwarahat In Almora
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Dwarahat is a hill station in Almora which is known as one of the most serene and untouched areas in India. The place is surrounded by himalayan ranges offering a beautiful atmosphere all around the year. The hill station is known as a hidden gem in Uttarakhand, making it a perfect place for people who like less crowded places.
Distance From Chitai Golu Devta: 65 kms away from Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
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6. Ranikhet
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Ranikhet is a popular town in Uttarakhand which is known for its British era structure and serene natural view. This hill station is surrounded by views of Himalayan range of India, which makes it more popular among nature lovers. There are various attractions that can be explored in this town such as the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, Chaubatia Gardens and Jhula Devi Temple.
Distance From Chitai Golu Devta: 50 kms away from Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Timings: NA
How To Reach
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By Road: Because of poor rail and air connectivity, the best way to reach Chitai Golu Devta temple is by road. Uttarakhand is well connected with roads, which makes it the best way to reach Chitai Golu Devta Temple. You can drive your way through nearby cities and enjoy the scenic beauty during the journey. Or you can take local buses once you reach Almora city.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is located 90 kms away in Kathgodam. You can directly take a train from Delhi straight to Kathgodam and book a taxi or cab from here to reach Chitai Golu Devta Temple.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar which is around 127 kms away from Almora. You can reach Pantnagar, and from there take a local bus to Almora and from there you can take a cab for Chitai Golu Devta Temple.
You May Also Like To Read: Gwaldam In Uttarakhand
Chitai Golu Devta temple is the most sacred temple among all the other Golu Devta temples, which makes it popular among devotees from all around the world. Being the God of Justice, the temple is visited by thousands of devotees who come here and wish for their fair and just future. The sacred bell hanging rituals make this place more unique among travellers who are not religious or spiritual by nature, making it a must-visit place to add in your next trip to Uttarakhand. Do not waste anymore time and go grab your chance to make a wish while enjoying the serene natural views of Himalayan range.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Which is the original Golu Devta temple?
Chitai Golu Devta temple is the original temple located in Uttarakhand, India. This is the one where bells are hanging on the exterior of the temple showcasing the trust and belief that people have in the deity.
How far is Chitai Golu Devta temple from Almora?
It is around 10 kms away from Almora. You can reach the temple from Almora by road via local buses or cab.
Which God is Golu Devta?
Golu Devta is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, also known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Mythology. He is also known as the God of Justice, a name given by the locals of the area.
How to worship Golu Devta?
Devotees believe that white cloth, pagri and white shawl is required to worship Golu Devta.
What is the other name of Chitai Golu Devta temple in Almora?
It is also known as the Bell Temple, as it is believed that devotees tie bells around the walls of the temple once their wish is granted.
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