Golu Devta: The God of Justice – Uttarakhand

Jai Golu Devta (जय गोलू देवता), Golu Devta, a symbol of Faith and Justice, is Known as the “God of Justice” in Uttarakhand. Golu Devta’s other name is Goljyu (गोल्ज्यू ) in Kumaoni. There are various names including Isht Dev, Goraya, and many more.

Golu Devta is believed to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Lord Shiva), referred to as a revered deity in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. As you all know, Uttarakhand is also known as “Devbhoomi,” which means “land of gods” because many gods and goddesses reside in Uttarakhand.

Golu Devta is known for the quick and fair dispensation of Justice to the devotees. Devotees visit the temples of Golu Devta with petitions seeking the intervention of Goljyu in resolving disputes and fulfilling their wishes. In return, the devotees offer bells after the fulfillment of their prayers. There are thousands of petitions, letters, and bells in the temple.

There are many temples of Golu Devta in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, and the most popular ones are in Champawat, Chitai Golu in Almora, Gorakhal, Chamadkhan, and Tarikhet. The main temple of Golu Devta is in Champawat District in Uttarakhand.

Today in the post, we will tell you about the story of Golu Devta, the powerful revered deity of Uttarakhand.

All about Golu Devta

Golu Devta or “Goljyu” is a revered deity in the Kumaon region for swift and fair justice. People worship Golu Devta in both the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. Though people worship many gods and goddesses in Uttarakhand, Golu Devta is one of them.

In the Kumaon region – Golu Devta is Isht Devta for many devotees and their families. They are one and supreme who have taken care of their families for generations.

Golu Devta still appears and helps the needy and guides people in many villages in Uttarakhand. If the family needs help and guidance, they must organize the Pooja in the form of “JAGAR” where Golu Devta appears in someone’s body whom he selects to be the source and helps his devotees and bless them with lifelong happiness.

Golu Devta’s divine spirit is said to have protected the regions, helping the devotees and ensuring justice and happiness for all.

Devotees from all over the world visit the temples of Golu Devta. There are many temples of Golu Devta in Uttarakhand. We list some of the most famous in this article.

Devotees come with letters and petitions and worship Golu Devta to bless them and give them justice; it is believed that before any government there is Golu Devta. Devotees have an intense belief in Golu Devta; they believe with the intervention of Golu Devta, their disputes are solved whether it is related to property, Court cases, or others.

Every year, the locals organize an annual fair in Champawat, where devotees take blessings of the deity Golu Devta. The fair glows with colorful performances and traditional rituals, making it a significant event in the region’s cultural calendar.

Prasad Offered to Golu Devta

Devotees offer white Pagdi, Shawl, and white Clothes to Golu Devta, along with prasad made of milk, Ghee, curd, halwa, puri, and pakoda is offered to Golu Devta.

Why do People Offer flags white, red, and black to Goljyu?

White Flags: Believers claim disciples of Sage Vashishtha visit the site to draw swastikas to fulfill their wishes.

Red Flags: This is to represent Devi Maa

Black Flags: This is mainly used by the devotees of Bhairava.

The Swastika symbol is believed to offer constant protection to devotees and their homes.

History of Golu Devta

Golu Devta is known for giving justice, helping their devotees, and resolving their disputes. Hence, he is the God of Justice. Golu Devta has a rich history and is the incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva).

According to local belief, during the rule of the Katyuri dynasty’s king, Jhallurai had 07 queens, but none bore any children. Due to this, the king was distressed and worried about who would take care of his kingdom after him. Jhalurai always worshiped his Isht Dev and Kul Devta Bhairav. One day, Bhairav appeared before King Jhalurai and informed him that no other queen had the ability to bear his incarnation. Therefore, an incarnation will manifest as his son from his eighth queen.

King Jhalurai was out hunting one day when he became thirsty and ordered his troops to get water from a lake. After a while, he noticed that nobody was coming back, so he went to get some water for himself.

As he was about to drink, he noticed a woman standing nearby and asked her what had happened to his troops. She smiled and said, “This is my pond, and they must take permission.” 

The king replied, “I am the king. I am thirsty. I want to drink water.” 

The lady said, “If you are king, you must be powerful. So you have to give a test.” 

Two buffaloes were fighting, so the lady asked the king to stop them. After numerous attempts, the king failed to complete the task, so the lady completed it on her own in seconds. The king was impressed and proposed to the lady, to which she replied, “I have five brothers, and to get married, he has to get permission from all of them,” referring to them as Panch Dev. Her brothers granted permission, and the couple later married. The Golu Devta mother’s name is Kalinka. So Golu Devta is also the nephew of Panch Dev.

After their marriage, Kalinka became pregnant, and other queens started feeling jealous. In their jealousy, they claimed that Kalinga had given birth to Silbatta (grinding stone) and swapped the newborn with grinding stone. Seeing the newborn, they grew enraged and blinded by anger. They put the child in a box and threw it into the Kali River. When the king and others heard that the queen had given birth to a grinding stone, it was hard to believe for everyone.

The newborn ended up in the hands of a fisherman, who found the baby inside the box in Gori River. That’s why he is also known as Goriya. The Fisherman raised the child, who grew up to be righteous and wise. At a young age Golu Devta started helping people, and one day he demanded his father a horse. As a fisherman, it was difficult for his father to buy a horse. So he made a wooden horse, and every time Golu Devta took the horse for watering. 

As a child, Golu Devta used to have dreams of his kingdom. One day, finally, Golu Devta went and reached a place where all seven queens were available near the lake. He asked for some space so that he could water his horse. The queens replied, questioning how a wooden horse could drink water. Thinking the child was making fun of them, the queen ordered a soldier to arrest him and present him in front of the King. 

When questioned by the King, Golu Devta replied, “If a woman can give birth to a grinding stone, then it is also possible for a wooden horse to drink water.” The king and all the other people were shocked, and then the King came to know everything and accepted him as his son.

Understanding the misdeeds of his queens, the king ordered them to be imprisoned. The child pleaded for their forgiveness, and upon growing up, he became the deity of justice, Kartikeya Golu, in the Golu temple, Champavat district.

After this, Golu Devta became so famous that other people would come up with their problems and ask for a resolution. Golu Devta would help them with swift and fair justice; every single person would get justice.

Golu Devta never slept thereafter. He started giving justice to everyone in need. He would travel to other places and provide justice. That’s why other temples were established where Golu Devta used to visit and give justice to his worshippers. The famous temples of Golu Devta are mentioned in this blog.

Famous Temples of Golu Devta

1. Golu Devta Temple, Champawat

Golu Devta Temple in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand is considered to be the main shrine of Golu Devta. According to ancient sculptures and books, Golu Devta was born here, making it the primary center of Goljyu. Champawat is the main root from which branches spread to all other parts.

Devotees from all over the world visit the temple to seek the blessings of Golu Devta.

The annual Golu Devta fair is organized, which is attended by many. Various cultural and traditional programs are also held here, making it a religious event.

How to reach Golu Devta Temple, Champawat?

Champawat, which is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand, is the second least populous district. To reach Champawat from Delhi, which is approximately 430 km away, it takes around 8 hours. The best way is to either travel by UKSTC (Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation) Uttarakhand Roadways direct buses, hire a cab/taxi, or drive on your own.

The roads are well-constructed, providing you with a whole new experience.

What are the other sightseeing Places in Champawat?

Champawat is a famous sightseeing place known for its history and natural beauty. There are many unseen important places especially well-known temples here that you can plan to Some of the famous ones are:-

• Golu Devta Temple
• Ghatothkach Temple
• Patal Rudreshwar
• Reetha Meetha Sahib Gurudwara
• Baleshwar Temple
• Banasur ka Kila
• Abbott Mount Church (Haunted place)
• Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple.
• Gorakhnath Temple
• Kohli Dekh Jheel

2. Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Almora

Chitai Golu Devta temple is located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, which is 8 km from Almora and is one of the most visited and famous temples in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

As we all know, Golu Devta is known for his justice. Here in Chitai, you will see petitions and prayers of the devotees in the form of letters seeking the intervention of the “God of Justice.” Often, devotees come with pending court cases and property disputes and submit their papers here, as it is believed that Golu Devta helps his devotees with swift and fair justice. After submitting their papers, the cases are solved in real time. Those who are unable to come in person send their prayers and requests in the form of letters, and Golu Devta takes care of all his devotees. As a gesture of gratitude, devotees offer bells and flags to thank Golu Devta.

How to reach Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Almora?

Almora, which is one of the most famous districts of Uttarakhand, is at a distance of 380 km. It takes around 8 hours to get there. There are alternative routes available to reach Almora, and one of the best routes is Haldwani-Bhowali-Garampani-Almora, which saves a lot of time.

You can use the state transport direct buses UTC which runs from Delhi Anand Vihar.

What are the other sightseeing places you can explore in Almora?

There are many important places that you can visit nearby Almora which are famous and have historical importance visited by tourists from around the world.

1. Kasar Devi
2. Jageshwar Dham
3. Dunagiri
4. Nanda Devi Temple
5. Katarmal Sun Temple
6. Dwarahat
7. Jhula Devi Temple
8. Binsar Mahadev
9. Ranikhet
10. Golu Devta Temple, Chamadkhan
11. Nainital
12. Kainchi Dham Ashram

3. Golu Devta Temple, Gorakhal

This temple of Golu Devta, also known as the “Thousand Bells Temple,” is surrounded by thousands of bells offered by devotees from all over the world as tokens of gratitude for wishes fulfilled. 

The Golu Devta Temple is known for justice. It is believed that if you are not getting justice anywhere, you can visit the Golu Devta temple or write a letter to Golu Devta, and you will get justice quickly. 

If you are planning to visit Nainital, it is highly recommended to visit the famous Golu Devta Temple in Gorakhal.

How to Reach Golu Devta Temple, Gorakhal?

The temple is located in Gorakhal, which is 4 km from Bhowali. To reach Gorakhal, you have to come to Haldwani and then to Bhowali and Gorakhal.

You can reach the temple by UKSTC Uttarakhand Government Buses, by train, flight, and taxi/cab.

The nearest train station is Kathgodam, and the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport.

4. Golu Devta Temple, Chamadkhan

Chamadkhan is a village located near Binsar. The Golu Devta temple is 7-8 km from the main Binsar Mahadev Temple. In Uttarakhand, Golu Devta is recognized as an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav and is known as the “God of Justice.”

How to reach Golu Devta Temple, Chamadkhan?

Golu Devta Temple is 24 Km from Ranikhet and 8 Km from the main Binsar Mahadev Temple. You can reach this Temple from Ranikhet or Ramnagar.

5. Golu Devta Temple, Tarikhet

In Uttarakhand, you will see the temple of Golu Devta in most places. Golu Devta is the esteemed deity of people from the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.

We have covered all the famous temples of Goljyu in this blog. One such temple is in Tarikhet, which is 25 km from Ranikhet.

The temple is on the main road. Local vehicles and tourists passing through Tarikhet often stop to seek blessings from Golu Devta.

Books on Golu Devta Uttarakhand

Conclusion

Golu Devta is the main deity of Uttarakhand, especially in the Kumaon region. Golu Devta’s divine spirit is said to have protected the regions, helping the devotees and ensuring justice and happiness for all.

Devotees from all over the world visit the Golu Devta Temples, which are located in various parts of Uttarakhand, and Golu Devta is the one helping everyone.

If you are in Uttarakhand, you must visit the Golu Devta Temples and seek the blessings of the deity. May all your wishes come true.

Jai Golu Devta!

Frequently Asked Questions

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