Nestled in the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, a state adorned with the majestic Himalayas, lies a divine tale that has captivated the hearts of locals and intrigued visitors for centuries – the legend of Golu Devta. This mystical deity holds a unique place in the religious and cultural fabric of the region, drawing devotees seeking solace, blessings, and protection.
Bhairav Devta
Golu Devta, also known as Goljyu, is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The origins of his worship date back to the 19th century when a local king, Raja Jai Krit Shah, constructed the Golu Devta Temple in Champawat. The temple became a sacred space where the deity's divine presence was felt, and his benevolence was sought.
The birth story
I myself, being from kumaon have heard the story of Golu Devta from my mother and similarly it has been passed down to us from generations with some variations in different areas.
So, the story starts when king Jhalurai of Champawat was ruling his kingdom ( Katyur dynasty). He had seven wives but no had a child, which became a matter of concern for him. One day he consulted an astrologer for help. The astrologer told him to pray to lord bhairav (one of the many forms of shiv). Jhalurai did tapasya and impressed lord bhairav and one night in Jhalurai's dream Bhairav Devta told him that he will himself incarnate as king's son from his eighth wife. After few days Jhalurai went to the forest and felt thirsty for which he tried to quench his thirst from a nearby pond. He suddenly heard a sound "stop! That's my pond, you can't drink water from it." The king turned and saw a young lady. He asked "who are you and don't you know I am the king of champawat?". The young lady replied "I'm the daughter of Pancham devta, my name is Kalinga. And if you're a king you must be very strong, go stop those two bulls who are fighting, only then I'll believe you're a king." Jhalurai tried his best but couldn't stop the bulls. Kalinga then came and effortlessly calmed the bulls down. King was impressed with her courage and beauty. He asked her if she'd marry him. She could not deny the offer but she told him to ask for permission from the panchnam devtas first. With their permission, king Jhalurai and Kalinga got married and soon came the time when Kalinga became pregnant.
The other seven wives of king had become envious of the eighth wife as she would give the king his child and become his most beloved, which led to them creating conspiracy against Kalinga. At the time of delivery, the king was out of state for a fight. The other queens told Kalinga that she must close her eyes while delivering the baby. And as soon as the baby (Golu devta) delivered the queens replaced it with a grinding stone ( सिल बट्टा ) and hid the baby away. They told her that she hasn't given birth to a baby instead to this stone. Kalinga was devastated and so was the king. The seven wives later tried to kill the baby through various means but all went in vain as it wasn't an ordinary child, it was Bhairav Devta himself. Finally they decided to put the child into a box and drowned it away in river. One day the box reaches another village and a fisherman catches it. As he opened the box he found the baby and felt instant connection, therefore adopted him.
Later on when the child grew up he started to have frequent dreams about his real parents and what happened in the past. He then decided to go back to his kingdom and do the justice. When he reached champawat he saw all the seven wives of his father nearby a river. He made his wooden horse drink water from the river. Seeing this the wives started laughing and said " are you silly? How can a wooden horse drink water, to which Golu devta replied, "just as a woman can give birth to a grinding stone!". The queens were offended and complained about the incident to the king. King Jhalurai ordered soldiers to get the boy. When Golu devta came in the court he disclosed his identity and how he was thrown away from his parents and his kingdom by the seven wives of the king. The king was happy to see his child and also punished the queens for their deed. Golu devta gave justice to his mother and became king of champawat.
Unique Rituals and Offerings
Devotees offer written petitions, or "chitthis" seeking justice and solutions to their problems. These letters are presented at the temple, and tied on the trees, railings and wherever you find space.It is believed that Golu Devta, being the divine arbiter, listens to every plea. And when the wish is fulfilled people offer bells to the deity.The temple walls are adorned with these handwritten notes, and thousands of bells forming a unique and sacred display of faith.
Chitai GoluTemple(Almora,Uttarakhand)
Golu Devata still meets with his people and in many villages the practice of Golu darbar ( Jagar) is still prevalent, where Golu Devata appears in front of people, listens to their problems and helps people in every way.
Cultural Impact
Golu Devta's influence extends beyond religious practices. His tales and teachings are often integrated into local folk songs, dance, and art. The deity is revered as a symbol of justice, inspiring a sense of righteousness and moral conduct within the community.
Tourist Attractions
The Golu Devta Temple, perched amidst the scenic beauty of Kumaon, is not only a place of worship but also a tourist attraction. Visitors seeking a blend of spirituality and natural splendor find solace in the tranquil surroundings and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Golu Devta's legacy is a testament to the intertwining of faith, culture, and history in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. As the stories echo through the mountains, and devotees continue to seek his blessings, the enigmatic Golu Devta remains an integral part of the spiritual tapestry that defines the essence of Uttarakhand.
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