28Oct,2023
Latu Devta Temple is located at Devi Chowk in Chamoli district, and what sets it apart is its unique character. No man or woman is allowed to visit this shrine except the priest appointed for offering daily worship.
Devotees can only offer their adorations to the presiding deity from a distance of 75 ft of the temple complex.
There is a popular legend related to Latu Devta related to Goddess Parvati, who is also locally known as Nanda Devi.
As per it, once upon a time, while on their way back home, Nanda and her brother Latu decided to spend the night at Vana village. Nanda asked Latu to stay in a humble cottage of an old woman
Since the way to their destination was arduous, Latu felt thirsty and began searching for water. The old lady asked Latu to help himself by drinking water from one of the pitchers kept in a corner of the house.
By mistake, Latu drank raw locally-made liquor instead of plain water. Accidentally, his tongue got severely hurt and he lost his voice forever. Later, Nanda asked Latu to stay permanently at the same village, and promised to meet him whenever she passed through the place.
The shrine opens for public darshan only once a year around March-April. A fair is organised around the temple to mark the grand occasion.