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 The
fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, (the goddess
of wealth), holds an important place among the celebrated fairs
of Rajasthan. The fair is held at the village Kaila in Karauli district
in the month of Chaitra, starting from Chaitra Budi 12 and 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. It houses the images of Mahalakshmi and Chamunda.
Kaila Devi has been regarded as the guardian deity throughout the
ages by the Khinchis, the Yadavas and the princes of Karauli.
A small temple dedicated to Bhairon is situated in the courtyard
and facing the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally
called 'Languriya'. Throughout the year, there is a steady flow
of devotees to this spot but during the Kaila Devi Fair, the participants
number as many as 2 lakhs. There is no restriction for members of
any community to visit the fair or the shrine. A large number of
pilgrims from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab,
Delhi and Haryana visit the fair.
Worship And Rituals
The devotees bring with them cash, coconuts, kajal (kohl), tikki
(vermilion), sweets and bangles as offerings to the goddess.
The ritual of Kanak-Dandoti\s observed by the 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 upto 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.
Successors of Goli Bhagat, who used to be a great devotee of Kaila
Devi, come from Agra to carry out his tradition of paying homage
at the shrine.
Trading And Festivity
The fair is visited by a large number of traders who set up their
shops and sell a variety of indigenous products.
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 deities.
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