|
The annual fair of Kaila Devi, (Mahalakshmi
or the goddess of wealth), is held at the village
Kaila (24 kms to the south west) in Karauli district
in the month of Chaitra (Mar-Apr), lasting for a
fortnight. The temple of Kaila Devi is located on
the banks of the Kalisil river in the hills of
Trikut, 2 Kms. to the north-west of Kaila village.
Another attraction is the small temple dedicated to
Bhairon, situated in the courtyard and facing the
shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally
called 'Languriya'.
Approximately 2 lakh devotees gather during the
fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis is observed by
staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20
Kms to reach the temple, not on foot but by lying
prostrate, making lines with their hands in that
position, advancing up to the line drawn and
repeating this procedure till they reach the temple.
While some eat food and take rest during the
journey, others endure the rigours of the ritual
without these.
Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of
gaiety dancing, singing and creating a lively
atmosphere. The spacious courtyard becomes the venue
for dances and songs sung in praise of the guardian
deity.
The nearest rail-head is Hindaun at a distance of
about 48 Kms. Shri Mahavirji is another rail-head of
the Western Railway near Kaila. The site is
approachable by well maintained roads from Karauli,
Hindaun and Mahavirji. During the fair, the State
Transport as well as private operators provide bus
services keeping in mind the huge inflow of
pilgrims.
|
