Ghorakhal Temple in Uttranchal, INDIA || First PHOTO JOURNEY by Bhavna Negi

Here is first PHOTO JOURNEY by Bhavna Negi who has contributed to PHOTO JOURNEY by other means in very effective ways. We welcome her here and looking forward to many more Photo Stories in future. Let's check out this interesting journey from Ghorkhal Temple in Uttranchal hills. 

Ghorakal  - situated in the Nainital district of the Devbhoomi Uttrakhand state of India, at an altitude of approx 2000 meters above the sea level.'Ghorakal' means ponds for water to horses.

 

And is famous for 'Golu Devta Temple', whose presiding deity is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Also known as "God of Justice" and prayed with great pride and enthusiasm. 

One the many legends says, 'Golu Devta is seen in form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva Devta is in form on Bhairava and Garh Devi is form of Shakti.' Golu Devta is offered Ghee, Milk, Curd, Halwa, Poori, Pakauri and head of Goat sacrificed.  The sacrificed goat is received as Prasada of pooja. Golu Devta is offered with White Cloths, white pagari(turban) and white shawl(stole).

Many devotees file a lot of written petitions daily, which are received by the temple.

It is situated near Bhowali and is the seat for Army school, known as Sainik School Ghorakhal, established in 1966 at the Ghorakhal Estate of the Nawab of Rampur. The famous Golu Devta temple is situated on a hill above overlooking the school

Golu Devta Temple is also famous as 'Temple of Bells'. The temple is characterized by the large number of bells of various size and shapes. These bells are offered as thanksgiving/donated by the devotees to the God, in response of fulfillment of one's wish- a practice since decade and still continues.

The stairs to temple is studded with temple and you can always enjoy 'Ring the Bell(s)' moments.