Kaila Devi Temple
The Kaila Devi Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Kailadevi village, Karauli district, Rajasthan, India. Dedicated to Kaila Devi, revered as a manifestation of Mahalakshmi and Mahayogini, it is a major pilgrimage site situated on the banks of the Kalisil River. The temple's current structure was founded in the early 18th century and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries, reflecting continuous patronage by local rulers.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to Kaila Devi, considered a manifestation of Mahalakshmi and Mahayogini.
- ›Its foundation was laid by Maharaja Gopal Singh Ji in 1723 and completed in 1730.
- ›The temple houses statues of Kaila Devi and Chamunda Devi, with Kaila Devi's being larger.
- ›It is located on the banks of the Kalisil River, a tributary of the Banas River, in the Aravali hills.
- ›The annual festival of Kaila Devi is held for a fortnight during Chaitra (March-April).
- ›The temple complex includes a palace of the Maharaja in its background and a large courtyard.
Kaila Devi, Chamunda Devi, Mahalakshmi, Mahayogini
- Major Pilgrimage Site
- Historical Patronage By Rulers of Karauli
- Annual Festival Attracts Large Crowds
- Features A Large Man-Made Water Source Built By Arjun Pal Ji
Chandravanshi Jadaun Rulers of Karauli
Kaila Devi Festival
Marble
Maharaja Gopal Singh Ji, Arjun Pal Ji, Maharaja Bhom Pal Ji, Maharaja Ganesh Pal Ji, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal Ji, Khinchi Ruler Mukund Das Ji
Statue of Kaila Devi, Statue of Chamunda Devi
Kalisil River, Banas River
About Kaila Devi Temple
The Kaila Devi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple nestled in Kailadevi village, within the Karauli district of Rajasthan, India. It is a significant pilgrimage destination dedicated to the worship of Kaila Devi, who is revered as a manifestation of Mahalakshmi and Mahayogini. The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the Chandravanshi Jadaun rulers of Karauli, who have historically maintained a strong connection with the site.
History and Construction
The current temple structure was initiated by Maharaja Gopal Singh Ji, who laid its foundation in 1723, with construction concluding in 1730. The temple houses two principal statues: one of Kaila Devi and another of Chamunda Devi, with Kaila Devi's statue being the larger of the two. Maharaja Gopal Singh Ji also established the statue of Chamunda Ji, bringing it from the Gagraun fort. Earlier significant contributions include Arjun Pal Ji, who built a large Kund, an early substantial man-made water source in the region. Over subsequent centuries, rulers like Maharaja Bhom Pal Ji improved infrastructure, while Maharaja Ganesh Pal Ji oversaw refurbishments in marble in 1947. The current Maharaja, Krishna Chandra Pal Ji, has continued this tradition of development, adding modern facilities and expanding the complex.
Religious and Geographic Significance
According to the SkandaPurana, Kaila Devi proclaimed that in the Kali Yuga her name would be "Kaila" and she would be worshipped as Kaileshwari. The Vedas suggest that her worship in this era grants immediate fulfillment. The temple's location on the banks of the Kalisil River, a tributary of the Banas River, amidst the Aravali hills, adds to its natural beauty and spiritual ambiance. The arrival of Kaila Devi's likeness to the site is attributed to a Yogi baba who was fleeing with the statue, and whose bullock cart mysteriously stopped at the hill where the temple now stands, fulfilling a divine assurance to sage Kedargiri.
Festivals and Access
The most notable annual event is the Kaila Devi Festival, celebrated during the Chaitra month (March-April) and lasting for two weeks. This festival draws a vast number of pilgrims. The temple complex also features a smaller shrine to Bhairon and a Hanuman temple known locally as 'Languriya'. The nearest major railway station is Gangapur City, and the site is accessible by road from Karauli, Hindaun City, and Gangapur City. Jaipur Airport is the closest major airport.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kaila Devi?
Kaila Devi is worshipped as Mahalakshmi and Mahayogini, and is revered as a manifestation of the divine being born as the daughter of Nanda and Yashoda. According to tradition, she was exchanged with the infant Lord Krishna to protect him from King Kansa.
What is the history behind the statue of Kaila Devi?
The statue was reputedly carried by a Yogi baba fleeing from Nagarkot to protect it. The Yogi's bullock cart stopped in the central part of the hill where the statue was then established by divine ordinance, as assured to sage Kedargiri by Kaila Devi herself.
When was the Kaila Devi Temple built?
Maharaja Gopal Singh Ji laid the foundation of the temple in 1723, and the construction work was completed in 1730. Subsequent rulers have made significant renovations and additions.
What architectural style is the Kaila Devi Temple?
The temple is described as a marble structure with a large courtyard and a checkered floor. While specific architectural styles like Dravidian or Nagara are not mentioned, its construction and renovations indicate classical Indian temple design principles.
What major festivals are celebrated at Kaila Devi Temple?
The primary annual festival is held in honor of Kaila Devi during the Chaitra month (March-April), which lasts for two weeks. A smaller temple dedicated to Bhairon is also located in the courtyard.
Where is the Kaila Devi Temple located?
The Kaila Devi Temple is situated in Kailadevi village of Karauli district, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located on the banks of the Kalisil River in the hills of Aravali.
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