Quick Bytes
Located In: Karauli,
Rajasthan
Dedicated To: Goddess Kaila Devi ji
Built In: 1600 AD
Timings For Darshan: 05:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Fee (If any): Admission is free
General Tip: Vaishnavs traditions are followed and so meat and wine
are strictly prohibited.
Getting There: Take local transport from Karauli to reach the Kaila
Devi temple.
About the Temple
25 Km away to the South of Karauli on the banks of the Kalisil river in the
hills of Trikuta, is the revered temple of Kaila Devi built by the devout
king Bhompal when he received instructions from Goddess Kaila as he was true
devotee of hers. Hence, he built the temple and since then it has attracted
many pilgrims since ages. Devotees come to the shrine from length and
breadth of country. The Shakta cult of Hindus hold sway of the temple but it
is worshiped by all Hindus and all others alike. Kaiala Devi has strong hold
on the pilgrims and she is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
Beautiful Architecture
Besides, being an important pilgrimage center for Hindus, the shrine is
also significant for its architecture. You can worship two idols in the
sanctum sanctorum. As the neck of Kaila Devi is bent, the idol is bit
reclined. The temple is the best example of medieval architecture. The
shikhar of the temple is very high, towering like a pyramid. The engravings,
carvings and ornamental works on the walls and pillars is very intricate yet
interesting. It is a marble structure with a large courtyard of a checkered
floor. In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees.
Must See - Must Do
Fairs and Festivals:
The sacred days of Navratras in Chaitra and Ashwin are held auspicious
by the devotees and pilgrims flock the place in large number. Hordes of
people could be seen congregating at the feet of goddess. Pilgrims
also come barefoot to the shrine for seeking blessings.
Bhairon Baba Temple: It is said that the pilgrimage is
incomplete without going to Bhairon Baba Temple. Devotees who come the
shrine make sure to visit the temple located just in front of the temple
gate.
Hanuman Temple: A minor temple devoted to Lord Hanuman is
located right in the courtyard of the shrine. Locally he is referred to as
languria.
Excursion Trips
Kaila Devi Game Sanctuary: Just 25 Km away with some
beautiful scenery and assorted
wildlife
including chinkaras, wild boars, jackals, blue bells and leopards, the Kaila
Devi Game Sanctuary attracts many travelers.
Old City Palace: The palace has seen construction over
different years. The oldest part of the palace has existed over 600 years.
Tourists love to see the fine paintings, in the Durbar Hall.
Krishna Temple: There is a Krishna Temple in the compound
of Palace where many people offer their prayers. The compound has a gaggle
of geese which were earlier used to alert if intruders entered the palace
grounds.
Timangarh: It is a tragically ruined fort at a distance
of 40 Km from Karauli. Constructed around 1100 and renovated in 1244, the
majestic fort overlooks a lake filled with water lilies.