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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. |