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 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. |
