Hi, I’m Akash. I visited the Chitai Golu Devta Temple in 2022 and experienced its unique spiritual atmosphere firsthand. Based on my personal visit and on-ground observations, this blog provides a complete and practical guide to Chitai Golu Devta Temple, including its history, rituals, timings, how to reach, best time to visit, and nearby attractions, to help devotees and travelers plan a meaningful and well-informed journey.
About Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Chitai Golu Devta Temple is a highly revered shrine located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, on the sacred Jageshwar Dham road, and is counted among the
most famous temples in Uttarakhand
. Dedicated to Golu Devta, the revered
God of Justice
, the temple is deeply connected with the spiritual traditions of the Kumaon region and shares mythological roots similar to many
Shiva temples in Uttarakhan
d
.
The temple is especially known for its unique practice of written petitions and thousands of hanging bells, a tradition also seen in several ancient temples of the region such as Jageshwar Dham and Katarmal Sun Temple .
This complete travel guide to Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Almora, Uttarakhand covers its history, rituals, timings, how to reach, best time to visit, temple photos, and essential travel tips, helping devotees and travelers plan a meaningful journey alongside other important spiritual destinations of Uttarakhand.
Where is Chitai Golu Devta Temple Located in Almora Uttarakhand?
The Chitai Golu Devta Temple location is at the top of the hills at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level, nestled among the chir pine forest, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Chita Golu Devta Postal Address: Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Chitai, SH 37, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Proximity: Almora is the nearest district to the Chitai Golu Devta temple. Almora to Chitai Golu Devta Temple distance is approximately 10 km.
History of Golu Devta Temple Chitai
The Chitai Golu Devta Mandir Almora is a sacred shrine of the Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, dedicated to Golu Devta (Incarnation of lord shiva) in the form of Gaur Bhairav; locally, the site is known as “ Temple of Justice. ”
Historical Origin
According to the local beliefs, the temple was built by a commander of the Chand Dynasty in the 12th century. The Legend related to the temple’s establishment suggests that a Pant Brahmin established this site after Golu Devta appeared in his dream and requested a shrine in Chitai (the capital of the Chand Dynasty).
The Story Of Chitai Golu Devta Almora
Golu Devta, also known as Goljyu, is considered the “God of Justice” (nyaye ke Devta).
According to local folklore, Golu Devta was the son of King Jhal Rai and Queen Kalinka. A jealous queen replaced newborn Golu with a stone and threw him into a river, but a fisherman saved him, and he grew up to realise his identity.
Lately, the king, father of Golu, realized the truth and punished the queen, and restoring Golu to his throne, he spent his life traveling on a white horse to deliver fair justice to his people. Typically, Golu Devta is depicted as a warrior who’s riding on a white horse and carrying a bow and arrow.
Architecture & Style Of Golu Devta Chitai Temple
The Almora Chital Golu Devta Mandir, featuring traditional Kumaoni architecture, is built with stone and wood and looks simple but elegant and spiritual. It is characterized by sloping roofs and intricate carvings.
The thousands of brass bells and petitions identify this temple, which are the traditions or local rituals performed by Devotees.
Features:
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Stone and wood carvings, reflecting the local Kumaoni craftsmanship.
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Sloping roof: It is a unique feature of the temple, which is an adaptation to the region’s climate.
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The temple is simple and austere with monumental design and impact by the visuals of devotional offerings (bells and letters).
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The simple and elegant sanctum houses the idol of Golu Devta.
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Walls and hanging areas for offering bells and hanging written petitions.
How To Reach Chitai Golu Devta Temple
The temple is easily accessible by air, train, or road, but there is no direct air or train connectivity to the temple itself. The final stretch to the temple required a motorable road drive from the Almora or Kashipur road. Here is a brief guide on how to reach the Chitai Golu Devta temple.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 127 km away. From the airport, you can easily hire a taxi or bus to Almora and then proceed to the temple.
By Train: The Chitiai Golu Devta Temple nearest railway station is Kathgodam station, which is approximately 90 km away. From the station, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach the temple.
By Road: The temple is well-connected by motorable roads. You can reach it by bus, car, or Taxi.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple Almora Route
The temple is located on the Jageshwar Dham route, at a short distance of around 10 km from Almora. Below is a detail about the route, distance, travel time, and travel options.
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Distance: 10 km by road
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Travel Time: 15-30 minutes
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Travel Option: bus, car, taxi or shared jeep
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Route: follows NH-309B, passes via
Almora → Bhowali → Pithoragarh/Jageshwar → Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Route From Kashipur
The journey from Kashipur to the Chitai Golu Devta temple is longer, about 153 km, involving a scenic drive via Nainital and Kathgodam. Here is a route detail.
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Distance: approx. 154 km by road
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Travel Time: 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
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Travel Option: Cab/Taxi or Bus
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Route: recommended route via Nainital road, NH-109 (Almora road), and then proceed to NH-309B (Bhowali road).
Kashipur → Maheshpura → Moradabad → Almora → Bhowali → Pithoragarh/Jageshwar → Chitai Golu Devta Temple
- From Delhi
To reach the Chitai Golu Devta Temple from Delhi, you must travel by road or a combination of air and road or train and road. Here is a detailed one; let’s discuss each mode one by one.
Distance : 401 km by road
Travel Time: 15-16 hours
Mode of Transport:
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By Air: fly from Delhi’s IGI Airport to Pantnagar Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Almora, and from there, take a local cab to the temple. The fight takes almost one hour, and the road journey from the airport to the temple takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Note: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is another major airport of Uttarakhand; you can also take a flight to this airport if you don’t get a flight to Pantnagar airport, and then continue the rest of your journey by road.
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By Train: Traveling by train is the most economical option. Kathgodam railway station is the nearest to the temple, which has great connectivity to Delhi. From the station, take a taxi or cab to reach the temple. The train journey from Delhi to Kathgodam takes almost 5-6 hours, and the road journey takes 3-4 hours.
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By Road: If you prefer a long road journey, then take a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Almora, and from there, take another bus or taxi to reach the temple.
Best Time To Visit Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Chitai Golu Temple Almora Uttarakhand is accessible all year round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months, from March to June, and autumn months, from September to October, as it experiences pleasant weather, ideal for travel and sightseeing. Here is a seasonal breakdown of the temple.
Summer Season (March to June)
Summer is the most pleasant time of the year, with a temperature ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The Weather is pleasant with clear skies and crisp air, ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. The period hostess annual fair, named Golu Devta fair, which celebrates Golu Devta's birthday in the month of Chaitra (April).
Monsoon Season (July to August)
The Monsoon brings moderate to heavy rain, which potentially increases the risk of landslides and roadblocks that make travel risky or difficult. The Weather is cloudy with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. The surrounding scenery becomes lush green, which can be a picturesque time for some visitors.
Autumn Season (September to November)
The Post-monsoon is another ideal time for visiting the temple, as it experiences pleasant and comfortable weather with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The favorable weather conditions, including clear skies, vibrant scenery, and great accessibility, make it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as nature photography.
Winter Season (December to February)
Winters are extremely cold and harsh, with temperatures dropping to 0°C to 10°C and the possibility of snow at higher altitude regions. The temple is open at this time, ideal for those who want to witness snow-covered surroundings and a peaceful darshan experience.
Major Festivals:
Chitai Devta Birthday: It is a major annual festival, which is celebrated during the Chaitra (April) Month, and hosts a colorful mela attracting more visitors.
Navratri: Chaira Navratri (April) or Sharad Navratri (September or October) is another major festival, which witnessed a huge influx of devotees, featuring special prayers and a lively atmosphere.
Best time to visit Overall:
Ultimately, the temple is open all year round, so the best time to visit depends on the individual’s travel experience. March to June and September to October are the ideal time periods, offering the most favorable weather conditions.
If you are planning to combine your visit to Chitai Golu Devta Temple with major pilgrimages like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, or Yamunotri, it is important to check the best time to visit Char Dham Yatra, as temple opening dates, weather conditions, and road accessibility vary by season and directly impact travel planning.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple Timings
The temple follows a general schedule of daily darshan and aarti rituals. Generally, the temple is open in the morning at 6.00 a.m. and closed at 8.00 p.m. Below is a table mentioning darshan and Aarti timings.
Note: The Chitai Golu Devta temple timings can vary by season or on special occasions, so it is advisable that exact darshan and aarti timings be confirmed through the local sources.
Voting Tips: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowd and provide a peaceful darshan experience.
Rituals And Devotees Practices
There are some practices and rituals performed by devotees at the Chitai Golu Devta temple, including writing petitions for justice and hanging bells when the wishes are fulfilled. Beyond this, performing puja and offering bhog are also key traditions of the site.
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Written Petition For Justice: one of the primary practices is “Arzi Pratha” (writing petition), performed by devotees who write their personal matters, requests, and wishes on plain paper, seeking justice from Golu Devta (the god of justice). The paper is tied on the temple premises.
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Offering Bell: Another ritual is offering brass bells. Devotees whose wishes are fulfilled or justice is served offer bells to thank Chitai Guru. The hanging bells symbolize gratitude and fulfill Justice.
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Puja & Bhog: Daily Puja, Aarti, and offerings, such as white clothes, turbans, and local sweet items, including milk, ghee, and Halwa Puri. These are traditional rituals performed by devotees.
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Parikarma: A calm ritual of walking around the temple premises while praying. It is a common but devotional ritual that is performed after submitting a petition.
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Golu Devta Jagar: A traditional Kumaoni ritual performed by local Jagriyas (folk singers) to invoke Golu Devta. It includes drums, chants, and storytelling about Chitai Golu Devta’s life and justice.
Places To Visit Near Golu Devta Temple
There are various natural and spiritual sites to visit near the Chitrai Golu Devta temple, including Almora town, Bisar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jageshwar Dham, and more.
1) Kasar Devi Temple
An ancient and significant temple, dedicated to Devi Kasar (an incarnation of Durga), is located 12 km from the Almora District, Uttarakhand. The temple is renowned for its geomagnetic field, which has been studied by NASA, and is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, attracting devotees and travelers.
2) Jageshwar Dham
Jageshwar Dham is a cluster of 124 ancient temples dedicated to lords shiva, located at a distance of around 36 km from Almora. The temple is surrounded by dense oak forest and peaks, often renowned as the “Valley of Gods,” featuring stone shiva lingams and intricate sculptures. It is accessible by road via a short drive from Almora.
3) Katarmal Sun Temple
A significant archaeological site dedicated to the Sun god Surya, located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Holding significance as the second most sacred and functional temple after Kornark Temple, and locally known as Bara Aditya (old sun) temple.
4) Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located 35 km away from Almora, famous for its exotic wildlife species, and the Zero Point within the sanctuary is a major highlight of the place, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
5) Bright End Corner
A serene viewpoint is situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Famous for sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan ranges.
6) Almora Town
Almora is a nearby town to the Chitai Golu Devta temple, located just 8 km from the temple. The town is also known as the “queen of Kumaon Hills,” famous for its unique culture, local handicrafts, and colorful bazaars, like Lal Bazaar, famous for woolen handicrafts.
Suggested 2-day Itinerary For Chitai Golu Devta Temple From Delhi
Day 1: Travel to Almora and local exploration
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Morning & Afternoon: Arrive at Almora and check into your hotels. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kasar Devi temple, famous for its serene and natural beauty.
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Evening & Night: Explore the local markets of Almora and enjoy the sunset at Bright End Corner. Stay overnight at Almora.
Day 2: Chitai Golu Devta Temple & Nearby Attractions
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Morning & Afternoon: Drive early from Almora to the Chitai Golu Devta temple. Explore the temple and write a petition if you have any wishes. After the darshan, proceed to Jageshwar Dham, a cluster of 124 ancient temples.
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Evening & Night: After exploring the site, drive back to Almora and plan your return journey to Delhi.
Accommodation & Food Options
Stay Options: It has a variety of accommodation options near Chitai Village and Almora town. From budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts, you can find and choose a hotel according to your preference. Some suggested options are—
Note: Prices of the given hotels can be subject to change by season or availability of the rooms, so it is advisable to confirm locally.
Food Options: Near the temple, you can easily find local eateries and Dhabas. Wider range and better options are available in the main area of Almora. Famous food options are—
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Ashirvad Jalpaan Grah, located in Chitai Village, serves local cuisine, like Mandhua roti and Pahadi Dal.
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Guru Kripa restaurant is a Family restaurant, located in Chitai, offering basic cuisine.
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Pahadi Rasoi, an indian restaurant, located on Binsar Road, is appreciated for serving good food and its scenic location.
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Satya Place Restaurant is located in Almora, serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Note: Don’t forget to try Bal Mithai (traditional mithai of the Kumaon Himalayan region) available at local sweet shops and Bakeries, like Deewan Sweet Shop.
Travel Tips For Visitors
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Best time and day to visit: Choose ideal months to visit, like March to June and September to October, for a pleasant and comfortable experience. Visit early morning or late afternoon.
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Things to carry: Pack essentials, such as light warm clothes, trekking shoes, daypacks, a medical kit, etc.
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Respectful Behavior: Be respectful in your behavior; respect the site and environment.
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Dress Code: Wear modest and comfortable clothing for a peaceful darshan experience.
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Photography etiquette: Ask for permission before taking photographs inside the main sanctum.
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Carry Cash: Digital Payment might be limited due to fewer Networks and limited ATMs, so keep cash.
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Choose to stay in Almora: Choose to stay in Almora for the easy access to the Chitai Golu Devta temple and other sacred sights to visit, like Jageshwar Dham and Kasar Devi temple.
Conclusion
The Chitai Golu Devta temple is more than just a place of worship; it’s a symbol of truth, faith, and living justice. The unique belief system of the site is from submitting the written petitions, offering bells after getting justice or fulfillment of wishes. This unique belief system of the site is followed by devotees, which makes this site truly special. The natural surroundings, including dense forest and Himalayan peaks with the sounds of thousands of bells, create a vibrant atmosphere.
So whether you visit for a spiritual purpose or to experience the unique culture and tradition of the Kumaon region, Chitai Golu Devta temple is a perfect destination for it.
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FAQs
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What is the Chitai Golu Devta temple famous for?
Chitai Golu Devta temple is a revered shrine in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, famous for its spiritual significance, presided over by the local deity Golu Ji (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) and natural beauty, surrounded by dense oak forest and Himalayan hills.
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Which railway Station is near the Chitai Golu Devta temple?
The Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station to the Chitai Golu Devta temple, located around 94 km from the temple. From the station, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple directly, or for a more budget option, you can take a bus to Almora and then proceed to the temple.
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Which Airport is closest to the Chitai Golu Devta temple?
The Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to the Chitai Golu Devta Temple in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Distance from Pantnagar Airport to Chitai Golu Devta is 123 km, which takes 3–4 hours.
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Who is Golu Devta Temple in Uttarakhand?
Golu Devta is a revered deity of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, especially in Chitai Village. The deity is known as the “God of Justice,” believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of Gaur Bhairav.
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What is the story of the Golu Devta temple?
The history of Chitai Golu Devta Temple is linked with ancient and pre-medieval indian history (7th to 12th centuries). According to local beliefs, the temple was built by a commander of the Chand Dynasty in the 12th century. Another belief suggests that the Katyani rulers ruled in this region from the 7th to the 12th century.
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