Binta’s Golu Devta temple, also called Udaipur, is a popular and respected place for Golu Devta, the god of justice and protector in Uttarakhand.
Navratri is a nine-day festival that celebrates Durga, the Hindu goddess of power, wisdom, and compassion. People in India celebrate Navratri with various rituals and traditions, but it is very popular in Gujarat, where they do the Garba dance every night. However, did you know that Uttarakhand, a state known for its scenic beauty and rich culture, has another way to celebrate Navratri in Kumaon?
In this blog, I will tell you about the Golu Devta Temple Mela and Jaagri, a unique cultural experience that you can enjoy in Uttarakhand during Navratri.
Who is Golu Devta?
Golu Devta, who is the god of justice and the protector of the people, receives worship from the people of Uttarakhand as a very revered deity. He is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, who took the form of a warrior to fight against injustice and oppression. Many clans and communities in Uttarakhand trace their lineage to him and consider him to be their ancestor.
Golu Devta is known for his benevolence and generosity. He grants the wishes of his devotees. He also heals them from diseases and troubles. Golu Devta delivers justice to those who seek his help, he is known for his impartiality and fairness. A crown, a sword and a shield adorn him as a young man.
How Golu Devta became God of Justice: A legend from Kumaon
Where is the Temple?
One of the most famous and revered temples dedicated to Golu Devta in Uttarakhand is the Golu Devta Temple. The temple stands on a hilltop in Udaipur, which is also known as Binta, a small town in Almora district. The surrounding valleys and mountains, which lush green forests and fields cover, provide a panoramic view of the temple.
The temple’s unique architecture and design features hundreds of bells and brass plates that the devotees offer as a sign of gratitude and faith. The bells produce a melodious sound when the wind or the visitors ring them. The devotees inscribe the brass plates with their names and wishes, believing that Golu Devta will fulfil them. A large statue of Golu Devta, adorned with flowers and garlands, stands in the temple.
What is the Golu Devta Temple Mela?
The Golu Devta Temple Mela is a grand fair that takes place during Navratri at the temple premises. Thousands of visitors from nearby villages and towns flock to the Mela to enjoy the festive atmosphere and buy various items such as handicrafts, clothes, food, etc. It also features cultural programs such as folk dances, songs, dramas, etc., that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Uttarakhand.
The Mela is a great opportunity to witness the vibrant and colourful culture of Uttarakhand, which is influenced by various ethnic groups such as Kumauni, Garhwali, Jaunsari, Bhotia, etc. You can also interact with the local people and learn more about their customs and traditions. You can also taste some of the delicious cuisines of Uttarakhand, such as bhang ki chutney (hemp seed paste), gahat ki dal (horse gram soup), singori (sweet wrapped in leaf), bal mithai (brown fudge), etc.
What is the Golu Devta Temple Jaagri?
The Golu Devta Temple Jaagri is a special ritual that takes place every night during Navratri at the temple premises. The Jaagri is a form of jagar, which is a way of waking up the gods and local deities from their dormant stage and asking for favours or remedies. The ritual is connected to the idea of divine justice and is practised to seek penance for a crime or justice from the gods for some injustice.
A group of musicians and singers perform the Jaagri by playing traditional instruments such as dhol (drum), damau (small drum), ransingha (horn), turahi (trumpet), etc., and singing devotional songs. The main singer is called a jagariya, who acts as a medium between the devotees and the deity. The jagariya chants mantras and narrates stories. These are related to Golu Devta’s life and deeds. The devotees also join in the singing and dancing and sometimes offer sacrifices or donations to Golu Devta.
The Jaagri is a very powerful and sacred ritual. It can fulfil people’s wishes and heal them from diseases and troubles. It also preserves and promotes Uttarakhand’s ancient culture and tradition, which is based on the belief in the supernatural and natural forces.
Why should you visit?
Visit the Golu Devta Temple Mela and Jaagri in Udaipur, Binta for a different and memorable Navratri. It will be worth it. 😊
The Golu Devta Temple Mela and Jaagri are a unique cultural experience in Uttarakhand during Navratri. It celebrates the festival and explores Uttarakhand’s culture and heritage. They also experience the faith and devotion of the people who worship Golu Devta as their guardian and benefactor. They also witness Uttarakhand’s beauty and diversity, which is blessed with natural and cultural wonders.
I hope you liked this blog. I hope you found it informative and interesting. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading. 😊
You can view the video of the Golu Devta Temple trek by clicking on this link.