Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 127 km from Almora.

• By train

  The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 90 km from Almora.

• By road

  The temple is well connected through the road network, and it lies about 8 km from Almora.

Why devotees come here

Chitai Golu Devta Temple stands in Chitai, about 8 km from Almora in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Golu Devata, a deity of justice, and copper bells hang across its premises. Devotees bring their problems to him in the hope of justice.

Golu Devata is known as a deity of justice, and he is considered an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav. Chitai is the most notable temple dedicated to him, and it is popular in the Kumaon region. Devotees bring their problems to him in the hope of justice.

The legend says Golu Devata once rode his horse far across his kingdom to meet his people and hear their problems. This practice was called Golu Darbar. Devotees believe he still rides his white horse and still meets people in many villages. In another tale, a boy takes a wooden horse to the river, and when the queens question him, he answers that if women can give birth to stone, wooden horses can drink water.

Going by tradition, he was the son of King Jhal Rai and Kalinka, and he served as a general under the Katyuri king. These are traditional accounts, so treat the family details as tradition rather than settled history.

Tips for your visit

• If you are visiting Binsar wildlife sanctuary, its main gate is about 4 km from the temple.
• Devotees offer white cloths, a white pagari and a white shaal to him.
• Many devotees file written petitions every day, and the temple receives them.

Questions people ask