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Gairar Golu Devta

Gairar Golu Devta

Char Dham Yatra » Temples in Uttarakhand »

Facts

Built in - Ancient
Diety - Golu Devta
Location - 11 kms from Almora
Timings - 05:00 A.M. to 06:00 P.M.

Gairar Golu Devta, Binsar, Uttarakhand

The Gairar Golu Devta mandir is a famous temple of Kumaon which is located about 2 kms from the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary’s main gate and around 11 kms from Almora. Lord Golu Devta, regarded as the ‘Lord of Justice’ is believed to be the incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva). At Dana Golu, you can see the ancient temple of Golu devta. The devotees visiting Gairar Golu Devta temple present clothes, turban, and shawl in white colour to the deity as a token of love and respect for the lord.

About and Beliefs; Gairar Golu Devta

Worshipped by several Hindu devotees all over Kumaon and Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the Gairar Golu Devta traces its roots in Almora, where it was born in a tiny hamlet called Patiya. Gairar Golu Devta is considered to be the younger brother of Golu Devta, the supreme deity of Champawat after which the Chitai Golu Devta Temple has been built in Almora. At Dana Golu, there is the original and most ancient temple of Golu devata.

Golu devata is seen in the form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva devata is in the form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva devata is in the form of Bhairava and Garh Devi is in the form of Shakti. Golu devata is also prayed as a key deity (Ista/ Kula devata) in many villages of Kumaun. Dana Golu devata is known as God of justice and prayed with great pride and enthusiasm. Dana Golu devata is offered with White Cloths, white pagari and white shaal. There are many temples of Golu Devata in Kumaun, and the most popular are at Gairad (Binasr), Chitai, Champawat, Ghorakhal. It is a popular belief that Golu Devata dispenses quick justice to the devotee.

Devotees in turn offer bells after the fulfilment of their wishes. Thousands of bells of every size can be seen hanging over the temple premises. Many devotees file a lot of written petitions daily, which are received by the temple.

Mythology and History Associated with Golu Devata Temple

Golu Devata is thought to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva), and is worshipped all over the region and regarded as the dispenser of justice by the devotees with extreme faith.

It is said that Shri Kalyan Singh Bisht ( Kalbisht ) was born at Kotura village near a big village Patiya where Deewan of the king lived. He was the son of rajput dynasty Keshav Katoudi. At a very young age Shri Kalbisht overpowered and killed all devils (Shaitans) of the Kumaon region and always helped the poor and oppressed. Shri Kalbisht was suspiciously beheaded with his own axe by his near relative, who was influenced by the Deewan of Patiya. He was beheaded by the king and his body fell at Gairar at Dana Golu and his head fell at Kaparkhan which is a few kms away from Almora.

Kalbishta played the melodious murli and was tasked with delivering cow’s milk to Sidha Gopali’s house in Binsar. According to a legend, Kamala pandatine, wife of Madhusudhan Pandey, was fascinated by Kalyan’s flute playing skills. She also required his proximity under some pretext. Hence she used to get milk and curd from Kalyan Bisht on the pretext of worship and auspicious works in her house. The work of connection between them was done by the Panditaine’s servant, Lachhima.

According to another legend, the name of Shri Krishna Pandey’s wife Patiya is taken in place of Naulakhia Pandey’s wife. Shri Krishna Pandey had enmity with Naukhiya Pandey. Once Naulakhiya brought a ghost named ‘Pande Bharari’ with the intention of harassing Shri Krishna Pandey. Kalyan Bisht chased away ‘Bharadi’. ‘Bharadi’ Naulakhia went to Pandey’s house. Pandey was saddened by his failure. He falsely advertised that Sri Krishna Pandey’s wife and Kaluva had illicit relations with each other. Alarmed by the fear of populism, Shri Krishna Pandey requested the king to have Kaluva killed. Jai Singh Tamta was appointed for the job. The king’s name was Kalyan Bisht. When the king saw the trident on Kalyana Bishta’s head and the lotus flower on his feet, he realised that he should be brave and well-bred. Kalyan Bisht showed many more heroic miracles to the king. Due to the conspiracy of Dayaram, an opponent of Kalyan, he was sent to Bhabar on the orders of the king. In those days going to Bhabar was like Kalapani for the people of Kumaon. He went on and on. Told Dayaram that if I was killed in a defrauding manner, I would take revenge by becoming a ghost. Urged to get Kaluva killed, Jai Singh Tamta was appointed for this work. The king was called Kalyan Bisht. Seeing the sign of a trident on Kalyan Bisht’s head and a lotus flower on his feet, the king realised that he must be brave and well mannered. Kalyan Bisht showed many more heroic prodigies to the king. It is certain that the soul of Kalbishta is worshipped in the form of a deity or ghost if he is killed by deceit. Hui. The first temple of Kalyan Bisht was built in Kabadkhana.

The devotees of Kalyan Bisht are the entire Kumaon. But there is widespread reverence among the people around Pali Pachhaun and Kafdakhan. People suffering from injustice also kill Kalyan Bisht with the desire for justice. Kalyan Bisht is also worshipped for the protection of animals, because he was a cowherd. Later in the whole Kumaun, especially in the area of pali pacchaun and kafad khan worshipped in the form of a deity till date. It is also famous for the names of Kalbishta and Kaluva in folk tales. 

Best Time to Visit Gairar Golu Devta

Binsar is a beautiful place supplied with pleasant weather all throughout the year, and the temperature ranges here between 0°C and 30°C. The summers in Binsar are moderately hot but the winters are very cold. Therefore, the summer season and the early winter season are considered to be the best time to visit Binsar.

Summer : The summer months of Binsar are from April to June. The maximum temperature stays around 30°C and minimum temperature around 15°C. The weather is pleasant and good for the excursion. Hence it is considered to be the best time to experience the flawless beauty of this place.

Monsoon : Binsar receives moderate rainfall and the weather remains quite pleasant, with the temperature ranging between 22°C and 29°C. The monsoon season here starts from the month of July and stays till September. If one wishes, can plan for a tour during monsoon, but there might be chances of landslides when there are heavy rains. This is why it is advised to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Binsar during monsoon.

Winter : The start of the winter season in Binsar is from the month of October, which is also among the best months to visit here. The season lasts till February and the temperature stays between 0°C and 24°C.

This compact hill town is encircled by the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which serves as a habitat for the rare animals, birds and flower species. Since the place is wrapped up in thick foliage, it is undoubtedly the best place for experiencing adventurous hiking, camping and nature walks.

Binsar

Binsar was the erstwhile summer capital of the Chand Dynasty rulers, who ruled Kumaon from the 7th to 18th century AD. Situated at the height of 2,420 m, the sleepy and picturesque hamlet is one of the most scenic locations in the Kumaon hills. Due to its location, it offers spellbinding views of the majestic Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Shivling and Panchachuli. Locals say Binsar was named after the Bineshwar Mahadev temple, a 16th century temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Adorned by the Jhandi Hills, Binsar is a sweet abode for nature aficionados. Situated at an elevation of 2420 m, this town in the Kumaon Region and part of Almora District is where the views of Himalayas can mesmerise you completely. Quaint and replete with pretty places, Binsar is a place to unwind and give your weary soul that much needed rest. The town is fringed by the gorgeous and opulent Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where one can indulge in bird watching.

Wherever you go in Binsar, the sight of majestic Himalayan Peaks never leaves your side, however, the best place to get a glimpse of all of them together would be from the Zero Point. Binsar is also an important Hindu pilgrimage site with the existence of an ancient Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. For those that believe in exploring a place on foot, the town of Binsar is a blessing. Meet the humble people, and learn a thing or two about the culture of Kumaon from them, or else, walk uphill to reconnect with nature.

How to Reach Gairar Golu Devta in Uttarakhand

Golu Devta temple is located about 2 km from the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and around 11 km from Almora. It is located at a distance of 329 km from Rishikesh, 314 km from Haridwar and about 372 km from Delhi.

The travellers can take a taxi to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and further 2 km on foot to reach the Gairar Golu Devta temple.

By Road : The travellers can commence their journey from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi. From here, buses to the nearest cities to Gairar Golu Devta temple such as Almora (11 km), Nainital (72 km) and Haldwani (99 km) are easily available. Also, taxis to Gairar Golu Devta temple are easily available from the major destinations of Kumaon and Garhwal region.

By Rail : Kathgodam railway station at 92 km away is the nearest railhead to Gairar Golu Devta temple. It is well connected with metalled roads to major cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi etc. There are two trains that operate between Delhi to Kathgodam and vice-versa. Since Kathgodam is the ‘Gateway to Kumaon’ taxi service is available from here to the temple.

By Air : Pantnagar airport at 126 km away is the nearest air connectivity. It operates daily flights to Delhi and taxis to the major destinations of Kumaon are easily available from this airport.

What is Gairar Golu Devta Temple Famous for?

This temple is famous for a variety of reasons:

  • Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfilment of the following:- Salvation, Wealth, Relief from diseases, Purchase of vehicles, Gain Knowledge
  • Devotees in turn offer bells after the fulfilment of their wishes. Thousands of bells of every size can be seen hanging over the temple premises. Many devotees file a lot of written petitions daily, which are received by the temple.

Nearby Temples

Itleshwar Mahadev Mandir, Chouniya,Uttarakhand

Itleshwar Mahadev Mandir is situated in Chouniya village in Almora district of Uttarakhand. This is a very old temple consisting of a large Shiv-Ling. The temple is located up the hill; a river flows below it. Some containers from the Mahabharta era have been discovered near the temple. A special gathering of people is observed on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Many villagers of village chandpur and simlchora are shifted there.

Mankameshwar Temple, Airari,Uttarakhand

This temple was built in 1978. It was constructed by the Kumaon Regimental Centre of the Indian army. The temple is dedicated to three main deities: Goddess Kalika, Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna. There is also a gurdwara and a factory that manufactures woollen garments near this temple.

Bileshwar Mahadev Temple, Talli Jalali, Uttarakhand

The construction style of this famous Shiva temple is similar to the style of the Shiv temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. Baba Gandhrav Giri and Jagdish Giri are the main priests at this temple.

Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple, Sanana, Uttarakhand

Situated on the Bhikiyasain-Chaukhutia road on the banks of the river Ramganga, it is believed that Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva here. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in a grand manner here.

Thal Monolithic Temple in Almora, Uttarakhand

Situated on the banks of the river Banaganga, this place was discovered in 1916 and is known as Ek Hathia Deol. This temple, carved out of quartzite rock, rests on a rocky platform and two 3-ft wide parallel cuttings separate the shrine.

Bineshwar Mahadev Mandir, Ayarpani

Bineshwar Mahadev is a 16th century A.D temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple was built during the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand of the famous Chand Dynasty.

Gananath Mandir, Binsar, Almora

Gana Nath Temple, 47 kms from Almora, is famous for its caves and a Shiva temple. During the special Kartik Purnima carnival held at the temple, the entire region echoes with the sounds of rhythmic hymns and captivating folk songs.

Tourists Can Visit This Temple During Their Char Dham Yatra

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations of Uttarakhand. It is known as Chota Char Dham in Uttarakhand. Char Dham is an important Hindu pilgrimage circuit in the Indian Himalayas. It is located in the Garhwal region of the state of Uttarakhand. This circuit consists of four sites namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is believed that every person should visit these sites for once in their lifetime. It is also believed that if you visit these places and worship with full devotion then you can also attain the ultimate moksha.

You can also visit the Gairar Golu Devta Temple during your yatra. This temple has a lot of significance as it is one of the famous temples of Kumaon, the Gairar Golu Devta is located about 2 km from the main gate of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and around 11 km from Almora. This temple also has a very rich history and legends that are very important from the past. Direction by road from Almora to Kedarnath Temple Kedarnath and different travel routes are accessible from Almora to Kedarnath Temple Kedarnath by road. It is very close to all the destinations of the Char Dham Yatra.

Therefore, it is very much advisable to visit this temple during your Char Dham Yatra.

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