Almora Sightseeing - Chaiti Temple

Situated 6 kms from Almora on the road to Pitoragarh, the Chaiti Temple is the abode of Golu Devta - the most popular deity in the hills of Kumaon. Anointed as the 'God of Justice', Golu Devta's devotees come to him to solve and settle their disputes. They often bring their complaints in a written form and hang them in the temple. After divine justice has been meted out, they show their gratitude by hanging bronze bells in the temple. As a result, the Chaiti Temple has the rather intriguing appearance of being laden with hundreds and hundreds of bronze bells. The Kumaons also sacrifice goats and give them as 'Offerings' to Golu Devta. Apart from the temple's unique appearance, the view of the Himalayas is particularly breathtaking from there. The walk to the temple is through a pine forest but one also has the option of getting there by cart.