Golu Devta Temple is situated in Ghorakhal, a small and peaceful hill town near Bhowali in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
The exact year of construction of the Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple is not clearly recorded in historical documents. However, the worship of Golu Devta in the Kumaon region is believed to be around eight hundred to one thousand years old.
The presiding deity of the temple is Golu Devta, also known locally as Golju Devta. He is worshipped as the God of Justice in Uttarakhand. Devotees believe that he listens carefully to their prayers and grants fair and timely justice to those who approach him with true faith.
Golu Devta is widely considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and in some traditions, he is associated with Lord Bhairava. He is often depicted riding a white horse, which symbolizes purity, strength, protection, and swift justice. The idol inside the sanctum is simple yet powerful in appearance, representing divine authority and righteousness. People visit the temple especially when they are facing legal disputes, property issues, family conflicts, or other serious problems.
The temple follows the traditional architectural style of the Kumaon region and is modest in size. The temple consists of a small sanctum where the idol of Golu Devta is installed, along with a prayer area for devotees.
The most striking and unique feature of the temple is the presence of thousands of bells hanging all around the temple premises. These bells vary in size, ranging from tiny hand-sized bells to large heavy ones. Devotees offer these bells after their wishes are fulfilled as a mark of gratitude. Because of the countless bells covering the temple compound, it has become popularly known as the Bell Temple. When the wind blows, the continuous ringing of bells creates a divine and peaceful atmosphere that deeply moves every visitor.
The history of Golu Devta is closely connected with the ancient Katyuri dynasty, which ruled parts of Uttarakhand between the seventh and eleventh centuries. According to local tradition, Golu Devta was born as a prince in this royal family. He was known for his honesty, bravery, and strong commitment to truth and justice.
It is believed that he faced injustice and palace conspiracies during his lifetime. Despite these challenges, he remained devoted to righteousness. After his death, people began experiencing miracles when they prayed in his name. Gradually, he came to be worshipped as a divine figure who protects the innocent and delivers justice. Over the centuries, several temples dedicated to him were established across the Kumaon region, and the temple at Ghorakhal became one of the most important centers of his worship.
According to the popular local legend, Golu Devta was a royal prince who became a victim of unfair treatment and injustice within his own kingdom. Even though he suffered personally, he never abandoned the path of truth. After his death, his spirit was believed to possess divine powers and began responding to the prayers of devotees.
People who prayed to him for justice started reporting that their court cases were resolved, land disputes were settled, and family conflicts were cleared. Because of these experiences, a special tradition developed in which devotees began writing their problems and wishes on paper and submitting them at the temple.
It is believed that Golu Devta reads these written petitions and ensures that justice is delivered. Once their wish is fulfilled, devotees return to the temple to offer a bell as a sign of gratitude. Even today, people send written applications and legal documents to the temple by post. Due to this strong belief in divine justice, the temple is often referred to as the “Court of Golu Devta.”
The temple becomes especially crowded during Chaitra Navratri in March or April and Ashwin Navratri in September or October. Sundays are also considered auspicious for worship. During these occasions, special prayers are performed and large numbers of devotees visit the temple.
