Golu Devta Temple

According to historical records, the Chitai Golu Devta Temple was built in the 12th century by a commander of the Chand dynasty. The temple was built in honour of Golu Devta, who is famous for his justice. Many kings are said to have renovated the temple over the years. According to legend, King Jhalurai of the Katyuri dynasty had no children. On the advice of an astrologer, he performed a rigorous penance to Lord Bhairav. Bhairav was pleased with Jhalurai's devotion and blessed him with a child. Bhairav also told Jhalurai that he himself would incarnate as the child from the womb of Jhalurai's eighth wife. One day, Jhalurai went hunting in the forest. There, he met Kalinga, the sister of the gods who was engrossed in meditation. Jhalurai fell in love with Kalinga and married her. She became his eighth wife. When Kalinga became pregnant, the other seven queens became jealous of her. They stole Kalinga's newborn child and replaced him with a stone. They threw the child into a lake, where a fisherman found him and raised him. When the child grew up, he had a dream in which he realised his true identity. One day, he was trying to water a wooden horse on the bank of the lake. King Jhalurai saw him doing this and asked him, "How can you give water to a wooden horse?" The boy replied, "Can a woman give birth to a stone?" Hearing this, Jhalurai realised his mistake. The boy also reminded him of the boon that Lord Bhairav had given him. Jhalurai accepted the boy as his son and punished the guilty queens. However, he later forgave them at the request of his son. Jhalurai's son took over the responsibility of the king and became popular for taking care of his subjects and for his justice. He came to be regarded as a cowherd god. Later, his name became Golu Devta. Golu Devta has a brother, Kalva Devta, in the form of Bhairava, and a sister, Garh Devi, in the form of Shakti. Golu Devta is also worshipped as the main deity (Ishta or Kul Devta) in the villages of Chamoli in Uttarakhand.

Chitai Golu Devta Temple is believed to provide justice to the devotees who come here. It is said that when someone does not get justice from the court or from other places, they pray to Golu Devta. It is also believed that offering bells at the temple can help to fulfill wishes and repent for sins. Devotees often write their wishes on paper or stamp paper and submit them to Golu Devta.