Located
at 182 kms southwest of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and is best known for
its Krishna Temples. The Fort, which was constructed over different period,
is about 600 years old. The fort was the residence for the royal family until
1950 and is now occupied by monkeys and geese.
The geese were used in the early days as warning system against any intruders.
They still seem to be doing their duty. The Bhawar Vilas Palace, which is owned
by the descendents of the royal family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel
now. The rooms are comfortable and good meals are available. Karauli is best
connected by bus or taxi from Jaipur.
Kaila Devi Fair
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.
Kaurali City, Rajasthan Minor Destinations
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