Gairar Golu Devta is a mythological and historical god of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Dana Golu Devta Garad Temple is located at a distance of about 2 km from the main gate of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is about 15 km from Almora. The origin of GoluDevta is believed to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva) and is worshiped throughout the region and regarded with extreme faith by the devotees as the God of justice.
According to folklores, Shri Kalyan Singh Bisht (Kalbisht) was born in Katyuda village near Patiya, where the Diwan of the Raja resided. Shri Kalbisht defeated and killed all the devils of the Kumaon region at a very young age. Shri Kalbisht Ji was always with the poor and oppressed people. Shri Kalbisht Ji was suspected to be beheaded by his close relative with his axe, who was impressed by the Diwan of Patiya, whom the king beheaded. Shri Kalbisht Ji’s body fell in Dana GoluGarad, and his head fell in Kapda Khan a few kilometers away from Almora.
In Dana Golu, there is the original and oldest temple of GoluDevta. GoluDevta is seen as Lord Shiva. His brother Kalva is a form of Bhairav, and Garbha is revered as Goddess Shakti. GoluDevta is also worshiped as the main deity (Ishta/Kula Devta) in many villages of Kumaon.
Dana Golu Devta is known as the Lord of Justice and is revered with great devotion and enthusiasm. Dana GoluDevta is presented with white clothes, a white turban, and a white shawl. Kumaon is home to many temples of GairarGoluDevta, the most popular ones being at Garad (Binsar), Chitai, Champawat, Ghodakhal. There is a widespread belief that GairarGoluDevta provides speedy justice to his devotees. The devotees offer bells in the temple after their wishes are fulfilled. Thousands of bells of all sizes are seen hanging within the temple premises. Several written petitions have been filed by many devotees, which the temple has received.