About Kaila Devi Temple
The Kaila Devi Temple is in the village of Kailadevi in Karauli district of eastern Rajasthan, about 23 km from Karauli town. It stands on the banks of the Kalisil river, a tributary of the Banas, among the low Aravalli hills. The goddess Kaila Devi is worshipped as a form of Mahalakshmi and Mahayogini, and she is the family deity of the Jadaun rulers of Karauli. The shrine is one of the most important goddess temples of the region, and every spring a fortnight-long fair in the month of Chaitra brings pilgrims from across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Devotees identify Kaila Devi with the divine girl born to Nanda and Yashoda, who was exchanged with the infant Krishna and who revealed her true form when Kansa tried to kill her. According to local legend, a yogi fleeing from Nagarkot carried the image on a bullock cart; when the goddess appeared to the sage Kedargiri, the bullocks stopped on this forested hill and refused to move, and the image was installed here. The present temple was begun by Maharaja Gopal Singh in 1723 and completed in 1730; he also installed an image of Chamunda brought from Gagraun fort. Later rulers added a water tank, improved roads, and in 1947 refaced the temple in marble.
The temple is a marble building set around a large courtyard with a chequered floor. In the sanctum two seated goddesses are worshipped side by side: Kaila Devi, the larger image, with her head slightly bowed, and Chamunda Devi. A small Bhairon shrine stands in the courtyard, and facing the main temple is a Hanuman temple known locally as Languriya. The old palace of the Karauli rulers can be seen in the background. In recent years the trust has added queue channels, a large waiting pandal, a canteen, dharamshalas, a hospital and a school.
Kaila Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to night, with short closures for bhog and rest. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kaila Devi Temple
By air
Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport, about 170 km away.
By train
Gangapur City, about 34 km away, is the nearest major railway station; Hindaun City is about 58 km away.
By road
Kailadevi is about 23 km from Karauli, with road links from Hindaun City, Gangapur City and Shri Mahavirji; extra buses run during the fair.
Festivals at Kaila Devi Temple
- Kaila Devi Chaitra fairMar/Apr
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is advised.
- Entry
- Free.
- During the Chaitra fair, expect very long queues and book accommodation early.
- Avoid the hottest months of April to June if you can.
- Dharamshalas and a canteen run by the trust are available near the temple.
- Combine the visit with the Madan Mohan temple in Karauli.
Places to visit near Kaila Devi Temple
- Madan Mohan Temple, KarauliKrishna temple of the Karauli rulers, about 23 km away
- KarauliOld princely town with its city palace, about 23 km away
- Mehandipur Balaji TempleFamous Hanuman shrine in neighbouring Dausa district
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kaila Devi from Karauli?
The temple is about 23 km from Karauli town.
When is the Kaila Devi fair held?
The main fair is held for about a fortnight in the month of Chaitra (Mar/Apr).
Which goddesses are worshipped at Kaila Devi?
Kaila Devi and Chamunda Devi are worshipped side by side in the sanctum.
Which is the nearest railway station to Kaila Devi?
Gangapur City, about 34 km away, is the nearest major station.
What is the aarti time at Kaila Devi Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Kaila Devi Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to night, with short closures for bhog and rest. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Kaila Devi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is advised.
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