The Temple of Chitai, also called Golu Devata Chitai Temple in the local dialect, is situated on State Highway No. 37, 9 km from Almora City. Constructed during the Chand era, this temple is devoted to Gollu or Goljyu Devta, an Avtar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva in the guise of Gaur Bhairav.
The God of Justice is said to reside at the temple. People gather here to pray because of a variety of faiths. You will adore the gentle chiming of the numerous bells that are blown by the wind and hanging by followers as a gesture of gratitude, wishing, or offering that can be heard everywhere. As a result, another name for the site is the temple of a million bells.
To seek the blessings of the God of Justice, hundreds of devotees frequently visit the temple. In accordance with the recognition, devotees who wish to find a clear path out of their troubles compose a letter to their cherished deity and place the document on the temple grounds. The God of Fairness bestows benefits and reprieve upon his followers. In order to express their thankfulness and joy to their Golu Devata, devotees who have received their requests tie a bell.
According to the notion, a lot of people come here, write down their issues, and then leave. Many people return and tie a bell since it is thought that Golu Devata helps his kids. The generosity of their beloved deity and the steadfast faith of believers are personified by the thousands of bells that hang here on a tether within the temple grounds.
The charming atmosphere of this shrine attracts even non-believers. Every onlooker is drawn to the scene as thousands of bells ring in unison while loudly shouting the belief that people have in Devata.
According to tradition, a general from the Chand dynasty constructed the temple in the twelfth century. Over the ages, it became well-known for being beneficial to everyone who visited this shrine. The Chand dynasty, which formerly controlled Almora, had a gifted general named Golu Devta.
It is well known that Golu Devta is considered the God of Justice. When injustice has been done to them or their family, the majority of devotees worship the deity and pray for justice. At Golu Devta, worshippers use white garments, pagri, and white shawls. Thousands of bells placed throughout the temple grounds demonstrate the widespread belief that a bell is what God asks for in restitution. By writing to Gollu Devta, anyone can even ask for his divine intervention. The shrine is decorated with bells and piles of letters.
Golu Devta Chitai Temple is situated on Jageshwar Dham Road, 9 kilometres from Almora. It is easily accessible by bus, taxi, and other means, and it has good road connections. The closest train station is in Kathgodam, which is 94 kilometres away. The closest airports to Almora are Pantnagar Airport (124 km) and IGI International Airport (352 km).