Naina Devi Temple
The Chand Rajas constructed the Nanda Devi Mandir, where the goddess’s idol is situated in the antechamber of a Shiva temple, and it is highly respected by the locals. Every year in September, Almora is animated by the Nanda Devi Mela, a five-day extravaganza of spectacle and grandeur that attracts thousands to this temple. This mela has been an inseparable part of this temple for over 400 years.
Gairad Golu Dev Temple
Gairad Golu Dev Temple is a significant religious site dedicated to Golu Devata or Lord Golu, who is considered the mythical and historical God of the Kumaun region. The temple is situated approximately 2 km from the Binsar wildlife sanctuary’s main gate and 15 km from Almora. According to legend, Golu Devata is believed to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva) and is worshipped as the dispenser of justice by his devoted followers. It is said that Shri Kalyan Singh Bisht (Kalbisht) was born in Kotura village, near the large village of Patiya where the king’s minister lived. At a young age, Shri Kalbisht defeated and killed all the devils (Shaitaans) in the Kumaon region and always aided the poor and oppressed. However, he was suspiciously beheaded with his own axe by his near relative, who was influenced by the king’s minister. His body fell at Gairar, where the original and most ancient temple of Golu Devata is located, while his head fell at Kaparkhan, a few km from Almora.
At Dana Golu, Golu Devata is worshipped in the form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva Devata is worshipped as Lord Bhairava, and Garh Devi is worshipped as Shakti. Golu Devata is also the key deity (Ista/Kula devata) in many Kumaun villages. Dana Golu Devata is revered as the God of justice and worshipped with great pride and enthusiasm. Devotees offer white clothes, white pagari, and white shaal to the deity. Golu Devata temples can be found throughout Kumaun, with the most famous located at Gairad (Binsar), Chitai, Champawat, and Ghorakhal. It is widely believed that Golu Devata dispenses quick justice to his devotees, who in turn offer bells after their wishes are fulfilled. Thousands of bells of varying sizes can be seen hanging over the temple premises, and many devotees submit written petitions daily, which are received by the temple.
Banri Devi Temple
The Banri Devi Temple is positioned on the Almora-Lamgarha Road, 26 kilometers away from Almora. However, to reach the temple, one has to endure a difficult trek of almost ten kilometers. The temple is octagonal in shape and houses an ancient idol of Vishnu in the Sheshnag pose, which depicts Vishnu sleeping on the Sheshnag with four arms.
Katarmal Sun Temple
The Bara Aditya Temple, also known as the Katarmal Temple, is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Surya. It is located approximately 17 kilometers from Almora, at an altitude of 2,116 meters. To reach the temple, one must trek for about three kilometers, passing through Hawalbagh and Matela near the Kosi River. The Katarmal Temple is the only Sun temple in Kumaon, making it a unique and significant place of worship.
