Complete Travel Guide to Golu Devta Temple, Almora
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Golu devta temple

Complete Travel Guide to Golu Devta Temple, Almora Have you ever heard of a place where you can write a letter to God asking for justice? Welcome to the famous Golu Devta Temple in Uttarakhand, a truly unique and deeply spiritual destination!

Who is Golu Devta? The God of Justice

In the beautiful Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Golu Devta is one of the most respected deities. People lovingly call him the “God of Justice” or Nyaya ka Devta.

Legend says that Golu Devta was a brave and just king (or a Chand Dynasty general) known for his fairness and honesty. After his death, he became revered as a god, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva (Gaur Bhairav). His main promise? To deliver justice to anyone who prays to him with a pure heart.

The Most Famous Golu Devta Temple: Chitai, Almora

While there are several Golu Devta temples, the one at Chitai near Almora is the most well-known and sacred.

A Sea of Bells!

You’ll be amazed when you step into the Chitai Golu Devta Temple. The temple premises are coveredโ€”literally coveredโ€”in thousands of brass and copper bells of all sizes!

Why so many bells?

  • Seeking Justice: People come here to ask for the deity’s help when they have faced an injustice or have legal problems.
  • The Offering: When a devotee’s wish is fulfilled or they feel they have received justice, they return to the temple and offer a bell to thank Golu Devta. Each bell is a story of faith and a prayer answered!

The Unique “Letter” Tradition

Another fascinating tradition at this temple is the offering of written petitions. Devotees who seek justice often write their requests or problems on paper (sometimes even on legal stamp paper!) and hang them up in the temple. They believe that Golu Devta reads their request and works to deliver justice.

Where Else Can You Find Golu Devta?

Besides Chitai, another important and famous Golu Devta Temple is located at Ghorakhal near Nainital. Like the one in Chitai, it is a significant place of worship where thousands of devotees seek God’s blessings and justice.

Plan Your Visit to This Temple of Faith

Visiting the Golu Devta Temple is a must if you are traveling to Uttarakhand. It’s not just a religious trip; it’s a chance to witness an incredible cultural tradition and feel a profound sense of peace.

  • Location: The main temple is Chitai Golu Devta Temple, about 9-10 km from Almora town. The Ghorakhal temple is near Nainital.

Whether you seek a blessing, need to write a letter to the God of Justice, or want to see thousands of bells ringing in the mountain breeze, the Golu Devta Temple promises an unforgettable and moving experience Complete Travel Guide to Golu Devta Temple, Almora.

How to Reach Golu Devta Temple

  1. By Air
  • The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 125 km from Almora.
  • You can hire a taxi from Pantnagar or take a bus to Almora and then continue to Chitai Temple.
  • The drive takes around 4โ€“5 hours through scenic mountain roads.
  1. By Train
  • The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, about 90 km from Almora.
  • Trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun connect to Kathgodam regularly.
  • Taxis and shared cabs are available from Kathgodam to Almora and the temple.
  1. By Road
  • Almora is well-connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand, such as Nainital (63 km), Haldwani (90 km), and Kathgodam (90 km).
  • To reach Almora, you can take a private car, shared jeep, or bus.
  • Golu Devta Temple is only 8 km from Almora town, and local taxis or autos are readily available.

Best Time to Visit Golu Devta Temple

The best time to visit the Golu Devta Temple is from March to June and September to November.

During these months, the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing and exploring nearby attractions.

  1. March to June (Spring to Early Summer)
  • The temperature stays between 15ยฐC and 30 30ยฐC.
  • The surroundings are full of greenery and blooming flowers.
  • Ideal for comfortable temple visits and short treks.
  1. September to November (Autumn)
  • The monsoon ends, and the weather becomes calm and clear.
  • You can enjoy scenic views of the mountains and forests.
  • Fewer crowds compared to summer, making it peaceful for prayer and meditation.

Avoid Visiting During Monsoon and Winter

  • July to August: The region receives heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and make travel difficult.
  • December to February: Winters are frigid, sometimes dropping below 5ยฐC. Roads can be slippery due to frost Complete Travel Guide to Golu Devta Temple, Almora.

Special Festivals and Events

If you want to experience local culture and devotion, visit during the Golu Devta Fair held in Chitai and Champawat. The fair usually happens in April or May, attracting devotees from all over Uttarakhand. It’s a great time to see traditional music, dance, and rituals.

Golu Devta Temple Entry Fee

Good news for visitors โ€“

There is no entry fee to visit the Golu Devta Temple.

The temple is open to all devotees and tourists without any charge. You can visit freely and offer your prayers.

However, if you wish to offer the deity bells or petitions (written letters), you can purchase them from nearby shops at a small cost (around โ‚น20โ€“โ‚น100 depending on size).

Golu Devta Temple Timing
Complete Travel Guide to Golu Devta Temple, Almora

The temple remains open every day of the week.

Here are the general timings:

  • Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The temple may stay open for longer hours during special festivals or events. Early morning and evening are the best times to visit for a peaceful darshan.

Golu Devta Temple Nearby Attractions
  1. Almora Town

Just a short drive from the Golu Devta Temple, Almora town is a peaceful hill station full of charm. The narrow lanes, local markets, and old temples give visitors a glimpse of traditional Kumaoni culture. You can also enjoy local food and handicrafts here.

Distance: Around 9 km from Golu Devta Temple

  1. Kasar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi Temple is another famous spiritual spot near Golu Devta Temple. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic mountain views. The temple is historically significant and attracts both devotees and meditation lovers.

Distance: Around 12 km from Golu Devta Temple

  1. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you love nature and wildlife, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit. It is home to various animals, birds, and plants. The sanctuary also offers excellent trekking routes and viewpoints where you can see the entire Himalayan range.

Distance: About 22 km from Golu Devta Temple

  1. Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Several temples are dedicated to Golu Devta, and the Chitai Temple is one of the most famous. Thousands of bells hang around the temple, tied by devotees as a sign of faith and gratitude. It is a great place to experience the local culture.

Distance: Around 3 km from Almora

  1. Bright End Corner

Bright End Corner offers breathtaking sunset and sunrise views over the Himalayas. After visiting the temple, it’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Distance: Around 8 km from Golu Devta Temple

  1. Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar Dham is a group of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by tall deodar trees, it’s a perfect place for those interested in history, architecture, and spirituality.

Distance: About 35 km from Golu Devta Temple

  1. Katarmal Sun Temple

This ancient temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is one of the few sun temples in India. The architecture and carvings here are truly stunning.

Distance: Around 20 km from Golu Devta Temple

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