GWEL-THE GOD OF JUSTICE

Lord Golu  is thought to be as an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva), and is worshiped all over the region and regarded as the dispenser of justice by the devotees with extreme faith.

As per one legend, he was born to  General of Katyuri King, Jhal Rai and  Queen Kalindra. His grandfather was Hal Rai.The origin of Golu Devta is  Champawat. Queen Kalindra is believed to be the sister of two other local deities Harishchand Devjyun (the divine spirit of Raja Harish of the Chands) and Sem Devjyun ; and both these deities are regarded as uncles of Lord Golu.

Another legend suggests that he was a General in the army of  Baz Bahadur (1638–78)-one of the Chand Kings, who died displaying exemplary valour at war; the temple at Chitai was erected in his honour, 8 km from Almora city.

Another legend has it ,that Golu Devta was killed by the King of Binsar .He was beheaded ;  with his torso and head   falling separately at Gairad ( Dana Golu) and at Kaparkhan, near modern day Binsar, a few kms from Almora respectively. At Dana Golu, there is an ancient temple of Golu Devta.

The most popular story about Gwel Devta talks of a local King, who, while hunting, sent his servants to look for water. In doing so,the servants disturbed a woman who was praying. The woman was visibly annoyed ,and in a fit of anger, commented on King's manliness whether he could  separate two fighting bulls; a feat she accomplished in his presence.

The king was very impressed by this deed and he married the lady. When this queen delivered a child -a son, the other queens, who were jealous of her, placed a stone in its place.They stated that this stone was born out of her. They put the child inside a wooden cage & put it  into the swollen river. 

A fisherman  retrieved the cage & brought up the child. When the boy grew up, he took a wooden horse to the river.The Queens who were bathing nearby asked the boy a question -whether a wooden horse could drink water ! On hearing this, the boy replied  stating - that if a woman could give birth to a stone then a wooden horse too could drink water!

When the king heard about this, he punished the guilty queens and crowned the boy, who went on to be known as the powerful & mighty Gwel Devta.

Golu Devta is also worshiped  in the form of Lord Shiva; his brother Kalva Devta is worshiped in the form of Bhairava while Garh Devi is worshiped in the form of Shakti. 

Golu Devta is also worshiped as Ista/ Kula Devta  in many villages of Chamoli District where he is also known as Goreel Devta. Normally three / nine days pooja is performed to worship Lord Golu Devta . 

Golu Devta is offered Ghee, Milk, Curd, Halwa, Poori, etc.Earlier, sacrifice of black 'bakras' was the custom. This has stopped now. Golu Devta is known & revered as the God of justice and prayed with great reverence,faith,pride and enthusiasm. Offerings in form of White Clothes, 'pagaris' and white shawls are made.

Marriages can be solemnized in Gwel temples throughout the year irrespective of lagans. Each & every day is auspicious within the precincts of GWEL. Such is HIS power.

There are many temples of Golu Devta in Kumaon, and the most popular ones are located at Chitai,Champawat & Ghorakhal.

It is a popular belief that Golu Devta dispenses quick justice to the devotees.Hundreds of thousands of petitions & applications are hung all around the majestic temples of Golu.

Devotees  return with their hearts & minds full of gratitude & renewed respect  reaffirming their faith by offering  bells ,cash & other offerings in kind as their wishes are fulfilled. 

Thousands of bells of different sizes & shapes can be seen hanging over the temple premises. Devotees continue to file written petitions which continue to pour in daily.These are received by the Temple  authorities & hung around the Sanctum Sanctoram.

Hundreds of songs are sung worshiping the might of GWEL.

Jai GWEL !