Located in the Uttarakhand district, the Golu Devta temple is situated in the Kumaon region. It is one of the most celebrated and divine deities in the area. This temple is located about 4 kilometres away from the main gates of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Worshipped across regions, Golu Devta is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The temple is extremely popular among devotees because the deity is believed to be a dispenser of justice and believers have utmost faith for the same. Golu Devta was considered to be firmly attached to his kingdom and is known to travel places for the people. Devotees are seen offering bells and animal sacrifice (heads of two black colored goats) to show their devotion to Golu Devta till this day.
Legend says Golu Devata is the reincarnation of Lord Shiva. He is commonly known as a braveheart general and the son of King Katyuri and the grandchild of Hari Rai. Kalnika is the mother of Lord Golu. It is believed that he died in a war showcasing exemplary courage, and the temple at Chitai was built to honour the same, located 8 kilometres away from the city of Almora. It is a common belief that Lord Golu, to this day, visits his devotees in the form of a Jaguar or seen on his famous white horse.