Uttarakhand’s Golu Devta temple where devotees seek solution of legal problems

Ghorakhal (Uttarakhand, INDIA), Nov. 23 : It is a common experience that usually decades get wasted fighting court cases in search of justice. But at the Golu Devta temple at Ghorakhal of Kumaon region, people come to seek justice in their cases at the earliest.
Golu Devta is believed to have been an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva). He is worshipped all over the region and regarded as the dispenser of justice by devotees.
It is believed that the temple was built in 12th century. It gained popularity over the centuries for proving helpful to anyone visitng this temple.
It fascinates the way devotees make their offerings at this temple, as they use stamp papers to seek desired decree in litigations before the idol of Golu Devta.
"This is Golu Devta''s temple. He is incarnation of Bhatook Bhairav. According to mythology, he would sit here and listen to the problems of people. If a person is innocent then Golu Baba surely blesses him and provides him justice," said Pradeep Joshi, the priest at the Golu Devta Temple in Ghorakhal.
As per Joshi, the temple priest, hundreds of thousands of such stamp papers are offered at the temple.
Besides their legal problems, people at times also request the deity for solving their personal problems.
On fulfillment of the prayers, Golu Devta is thanked by hanging bells or through animal sacrifice. The temple receives many ‘petitions’ on daily basis.
People of this area have incredible belief in the mystic power of Golu Devta.
Devotees say that unlike civil courts, where the litigation lingers on for years, the temple offers them instant solace.
"This temple is very famous. People from different parts of the country visit this temple seeking solution of their problems. And, all devotees of Golu Devta get justice. As one can see, so many bells are hanging over here. These bells are tied here by those who have got justice from Golu Baba," said Nisha, a devotee.
"Golu Devta’s temple is very famous. People write their problems on a stamp paper and soon Golu Baba blesses them and they get justice in their life," said Pankaj Verma, a resident.