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Golju or Golu devta is most
reverted and worshiped God of kumaon region. The slogan ' Jai Golu Devta' may be seen almost in the front of all the taxis running in Kumaon region. It is worshiped in various
forms thought out Kumaon. Also called Gollu, Golla, Hariya Gollu, Golju,
Chamandhari Gollu, Dwah Gollu, Gorail, Doodadhari, Nirankar, Ghughutiya Gollu , Goriya. He is said to be a incarnation of Bahirav devta.
Legend is that a 7th Queen of childless king of Chand dynasty of Champawat
gave birth to a child. Other jealous queens of the palace replaced the
child with a stone and thrown the child in Kali river where a fisherman
rescued and brought him up. Once the king while on hunting trip saw a
child with a wooden horse on the bank of Kali. He asked him what he was
doing there. The Child replied that he was there to get his horse drink
the water. Surprised king ask how a wooden horse can drink water. The
child replied that if a queen can give birth to a stone, why his wooden
horse can't drink water. The king impressed with his reply enquired about
the child and after knowing the story he brought him back to palace and
declared him his successor. Later he ruled the Kingdom and provided
justice to his subject . Golju is said to be the God of justice. He was a
great warrior and his lore of bravery and justice are still sung by the
local folk artisans during songs sung in fairs and
jagar and baisi. Although every
village of Kumaon have a temple of Golu but the origianl temples of Golu
is said to be a Goluchaur
Champawat.
Other
famous temples are located at Chaura (Someshwar),
Tarikeht (Ranikhet),
Manila, Gagrigol (near Baijnath, Bageshwar), Chuthan (Ranibagh, Haldwani)
and Chitai (Almora).
People after failing to get justice from other channels used to send
appeals in stamp papers to Golu and offer bells after they get the
justice. The Golu Devta do justice and punishes the defaulter in several
ways called 'Chetak'. The defaulter has to compromise with the
victim by arranging a mutual
Jagar
and offering puja in the Golu temple. Several such appeals can be seen at
Chitai and other Golu temples. The appeals can also be sent by post.
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Travelogue
