Golu Devta Temple

Golu Devta Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Golu Devta, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, worshipped primarily in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is renowned for its unique tradition of offering bells and written petitions, reflecting the deity’s status as the “God of Justice”.

ॐ गोलू देवताय नमो नमः।
क्षत्रियेन्द्राय नमो नमः।
न्यायप्रियाय नमो नमः।
भक्तवत्सलाय नमो नमः॥

― Golu Devta Temple

The temple is located at various places, but the most famous and revered one is in Chitai, about 8 km from Almora.

Mythological Significance & History

Golu Devta is believed to be a historical and mythological king, named Jhal Rai, the son of Katyuri King and Kalinka, a divine form of Durga. According to local legends, he was a brave and just ruler who ascended to divine status after his martyrdom. His worship started from the Chitai region, and it gradually spread across the Kumaon region.
The Chitai Golu Devta Temple is believed to be over 500 years old, and it gained popularity among devotees due to the miraculous tales of justice and wish fulfillment.

Significance of the Temple

Golu Devta is considered the God of Justice (Nyaya Ka Devta).
Devotees write their wishes on stamp paper or plain paper and hang it in the temple.
Once the wish is fulfilled, people offer brass bells as a token of gratitude.
Thousands of bells of different sizes can be seen hanging all around the temple premises.
This tradition reflects the deep belief in divine justice and the democratic spirit of faith where every devotee can directly appeal to the deity.