Golu Devata, Chitai

A landmark in Almora, located about 6km from Almora, is dedicated to the local God, Golju. Chitai Temple has the presiding deity Lord Shiva, who is referred here by the name Lord Gollu. Local folks have much faith in this hilltop temple, they often visit here with offerings.


History of Chitai Temple Almora


The history says the temple was constructed in 12th century by a general belonging to the Chand dynasty. It gained popularity over the centuries for proving helpful to anyone visitng this temple Golu Devta was deified general of Chand dynasty that once ruled Almora. 
 Chitai temple with it's unique collection of brass bells of all sizes, gifted to the temple by devotees since centuries.

The temple is characterized by the large number of bells hanging in the premises. These bells are hung by the devotees as offerings making a wish or in thanksgiving on the fulfillment of one’s wish. This is an important religious attraction on tourist map. It is the most sacred temple for the people of Almora and the neighboring villages. The walls of the temple are covered with court stamp papers by those who did not get justice in the court. Around the temple are hanging thousands of bells, which have been donated by those people whose wishes have, been fulfilled. 
One such ritual is that devotees make petitions at the temple, using stamp papers, to seek desired decree in litigations. On accomplishment of their wish, the deity is shown gratitude by hanging bells or making animal sacrifice. Sacrifices of goats are offered to the deity which was, at one time, a sort-of law court, that decided several pleas received from the distressed people of the region.

Address : 

Shri Chitai Golu Mandir

Post Office - Chitai

District - Almora

Pin code - 263601

Uttarakhand, India

SEE IN MAP : http://g.co/maps/tsaz3

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Gwal Devta (Goril) temple

Gwal Devta Temple is located at Gwarail Chaurah. A deity of widespread faith and influence, Gwal Devta also known as Goril or Goll, is considered to be the presiding deity of justice. It is believed that when approached, Gwal Devta dispenses justice to a helpless victim of injustice and cruelty. Historically, Goril a Katyuric prince of Champawat, known for his unwavering justice and fair play, was himself a victim of planned conspiracy hatched up by his step mother, who had  thrown him into a river, locked up in an iron cage. Held in high esteem as a symbol of justice, a temple was dedicated to him at Gwarail Chaur at in Champawat and ever since he has grown into a deity of great influence attracting innumerable pilgrims around him. As per a story, Harish Chandra was a famous king of Champawat, who after his death, was worshipped as the folk god 'Haru'. Haru's mother's name was Kainer and he is said to be Gwall's maternal uncle. A large number of devotees visit this temple throughout the year.

Climate | When To Visit

The months of March to June and mid-September to October are ideal for visiting Pithoragarh, while July to early September is the rainy season. Light woolens and rain protection is needed in summer, while heavy woolens are called for in winter.

Visit During: March to June

Directions | How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport for Pithoragarh is at Naini Saini (5 kms). However, the nearest operational airport is at Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Tanakpur (151 kms).

By Road: Pithoragarh is well connected by road with important towns of the region and other states as well.

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Karna Devta

From Netwar one has to climb up for a mile and a half to reach a village called Sarnaul. It is known for its serenity and sylvan charm.


There once lived a great warrior king called Bhubruvahan. This King of Patal Lok came to witness the epic war of the Mahabarata, intending to participate in it. But Krishna,who feared that he might overwhelm Arjuna, asked him to first prove his superiority with the bow and arrow. Bhubruvahan was happy to oblige. Asked to shoot off all the leaves on a single tree, he proceeded to comply, and to deceive him, Krishna hid one leaf under his foot, but the master archer's keen.sense of observation did not miss this, and an arrow came shooting down towards Krishna's foot. Krishna brought the leaf out hastily, only to see it torn apart by Bhubruvahan's unerring aim.

After passing this test, the king told Krishna he wished to fight for the losing side-the Kauravas. The clever Krishna, who always sided with the Pandavas, secretly persuaded him that both sides were equal for him and he should remain neutral. Every one knew it for a fact that it will be impossible for a warrior to stay away from the war. They tried to get rid of Bhubruvahan. Krishna planned it in such a way that he was beheaded before the start of the war.

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Pokhu Devta Temple , Netwar

Netwar is just 12 kilometres away from Mori and approximately 69 kilometres from Chakrata. A brisk walk would take you to the river bed of Tons where this temple is situated.


Pokhu Devta Mandir, Karna Mandir, Sarnaul and Duryodhan Mandir, Saur. (All three temples are in the same region) Deodar, Chir and Pine surround the Netwar village where these three temples are located, all within a range of 14 kms.

Netwarcan be reached from Chakrata via Tiuni, which is on the Chakrata-Simla Road. To reach the village from Tiuni, one has to go to Har-ki-doon Valley via Mori. Here a narrow'pakdandi' (goat's track) leads one to the confluence of the rivers Rupen and Supen (which later form the Tatnas or Tons) where one crosses a light iron bridge. It is a risky track,21/2 kms long-stony, mossy and damp-that finally leads to the Pokhu Devta Temple. What a refreshing sight at last! A little courtyard beckons one past the few hutments surrounding the temple area, the morning glory and golden pumpkin flowers blossom in peace, under a benign sun.

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