Chitai Golu Devta: The Deity of Justice and Faith in Uttarakhand

Despite worshipping Lord Shiva and Shakti, there is a rich tradition of folk deity worship among the people of Kumaon. Many ancient heroes are worshipped as folk deities, expressing the popular beliefs of the people. Each folk deity has a distinctive story, and is remembered through shikharas, temples, or jagars (ritual folk poems). Kumaon is believed to have once had a tradition of Yaksha worship, and the worship of ‘Naga’ or snakes symbolizes the reverence given to the brave.

Apart from worshipping the usual deities associated with Hinduism, the people of Kumaon also worship Kul Devta (family deity), Gram Devta (village deity), Nag Devta (snake deity), Bhumi Devta (land deity) and Veer Nayak (brave).

One of which is Golu Devta. Golu, Goljyu or Gwel Devta is very famous in Kumaon, and Golu Devta is considered to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav ​​(Shiva). He is called the God of Justice and the King of Kumaon by his devotees with immense faith. Historically, he is believed to be the brave son of King Jhal Rai and his wife Kalinka and the general of the Katyuri king.

There are Gwala temples in Champawat, Chitai and Ghorakhal, however the temple at Chitai is the most famous of them. The story of Gwala is about a local king who, while hunting, sent his servants in search of water. The servants disturbed a woman who was praying. The woman, enraged, taunted the king that he could not separate two fighting bulls and started doing so herself.

Exploring the Rich Tradition of Folk Deities in Kumaon

Kumaon, nestled in the serene hills of Uttarakhand, is a region steeped in a vibrant tapestry of religious traditions. While the worship of Lord Shiva and Shakti holds a central place in the lives of many Kumaonis, the region also boasts a rich tradition of folk deity worship. This fascinating aspect of Kumaoni culture reveals a deep-seated reverence for ancient heroes and local legends, expressed through various rituals and worship practices.

The Folk Deity Landscape

In Kumaon, the worship of folk deities adds a unique layer to the region’s spiritual life. These deities, often rooted in local folklore and historical figures, are celebrated through a diverse array of rituals, including shikharas (pinnacle-shaped shrines), temples, and jagars (ritual folk poems). Each deity has a distinctive story, reflecting the popular beliefs and values of the people.

Historically, Kumaon is believed to have had a tradition of Yaksha worship, and reverence for ‘Naga’ or snake deities symbolizes respect for bravery and valor. This ancient practice underscores the region’s rich spiritual heritage and its connection to the natural world.

Diverse Deity Worship

Beyond the mainstream Hindu pantheon, Kumaoni people venerate a variety of deities that play significant roles in their daily lives and community. These include:

• Kul Devta: The family deity, guardian of the household.
• Gram Devta: The village deity, protector of the community.
• Nag Devta: The snake deity, symbolizing protection and courage.
• Bhumi Devta: The land deity, revered for the fertility and well-being of the land.
• Veer Nayak: The brave hero, celebrated for valor and heroism.

Spotlight on Golu Devta

Among these folk deities, Golu Devta stands out as a particularly revered figure. Also known as Golu, Goljyu, or Gwel Devta, he is immensely popular in Kumaon. Golu Devta is believed to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (a form of Shiva) and is celebrated as the God of Justice and the King of Kumaon.

According to local lore, Golu Devta was the brave son of King Jhal Rai and Queen Kalinka. He also served as a general under the Katyuri king, embodying both leadership and valor. The tales of his courage and fairness have earned him a special place in the hearts of the Kumaoni people.

Temples and Legends

Golu Devta is honored in several temples across Kumaon, with notable shrines in Champawat, Chitai, and Ghorakhal. Among these, the temple at Chitai is the most renowned. The legend associated with this temple is both captivating and instructive.

The story goes that a local king, during a hunting expedition, sent his servants to fetch water. The servants accidentally disturbed a woman engaged in prayer. In her frustration, she challenged the king’s ability to separate two fighting bulls, and proceeded to do so herself, showcasing her divine powers.

This tale not only highlights the local beliefs surrounding Golu Devta but also reflects the deep connection between folklore and the spiritual landscape of Kumaon. The worship of Golu Devta, and other folk deities, remains a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring power of local traditions.