Gangolihat (pargana Gangoli, tahsil Pithoragarh)
The village derives its name from Gangoli, the name of the pargana and Hat, a name by
which the place is locally called. It has a temple of Mahakali, which is said to be of great antiquity
and is situated in the midst of a dense deodar forest. It is alleged that during the reign of the
Chand rajas, human beings were, at times, offered in sacrifice at this temple, but the practice was
stopped in the last century. Goats and buffaloes still continue to be sacrificed, particularly during
the Navaratris of Chaitra and Asvina. The place also has the remains of a small fort built by a
regent of the Chand rajas. In patti Bherang, about 8 km. from the village, there is an ancient
temple of Patal Bhubaneshvar, dedicated to Siva, which is located inside a long and dark tunnel
and attracts a large number of devotees