Golu Devata Temple, Ghorakhal – Legends

Golu Devata Temple, Ghorakhal – Legends

Golu Devata:

The most popular story about Golu talks of a local king who, while hunting, sent his servants to look for water. The servants disturbed a woman who was praying. The woman, in a fit of anger, taunted the king that he could not separate two fighting bulls and proceeded to do so herself. The king was very impressed by this deed and he married the lady. When this queen got a son, the other queens, who were jealous of her, placed a stone in its place and the child in a cage and put the cage into the river.

The child was brought up by a fisherman. When the boy grew up he took a wooden horse to the river and on being questioned by the queens he replied that if women can give birth to stone then wooden horses can drink water. When the king heard about this, he punished the guilty queens and crowned the boy, who went on to be known as Golu Devta.

Golu Darbar:

Golu Devata used to travel far distances on his horse and used to meet people of his kingdom, Golu Darbar used to take place and Golu Dev used to hear the problems of the people and help them in any way possible, he had a special place for people in his heart and he was always ready to help them, due to his complete dedication to people, he led a very simple life and lived his life on the principles of brahmacharya.

Golu Devata still meet with his people and in many villages the practice of Golu Darbar is still prevalent, where Golu Devata appear in front of people and listen to their problem and help people in every way possible, the most common form of Golu Devata Darbar these days is Jagar. Golu Devata always had a special place for his White horse in his heart, he still do love his horse. So, it is believed by many that he still travels on the back of his horse. He is the god of justice and he serves it well.

Family of Golu Devta:

Golu Devta is considered an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva) and is worshipped all over the region. He is regarded as the dispenser of justice by the devotees with extreme faith. Historically, he is considered as the brave son and general of Katyuri king, Jhal Rai and Kalinka. His grandfather was Hal Rai. Historically Champawat is accepted as the origin of Golu Devta. His mother Kalinka is believed to be the sister of two other local deities Harishch and Devjyun (the divine spirit of Raja Harish of the Chands) and Sem Devjyun and both these deities are regarded as uncles of Lord Golu.

General in the army of Chand King:

Another legend suggests that he was a General in the army of Chand king, Baz Bahadur (1638–78), and died displaying exemplary valour at war, the temple at Chitai was erected in his honour, 8 km (5.0 mi) from Almora city.

Golu Devta was killed by the king of Binsar:

Another legend says that Golu Devta was killed by the king of Binsar due to some false doubt, and he was beheaded by the king and his body fell at Gairad at Dana Golu and his head fell at Kaparkhan, near modern-day Binsar, a few kms from Almora. At Dana Golu, there is the original and most ancient temple of Golu Devta.