Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Kela Devi Ji
Location:
25 Kms away to the South of Karauli
God Worshipped:
Shri Kela Devi
District:
Karauli
Road Distance from Jaipur:
180 Kms
Built in the year:
1600 AD
Nearest Airport:
Jaipur (180 km)
By
Shri Bhompalji the king of Karauli.
Nearest Rly. Station:
Bharatpur (35 km)
Cause of Establishment:
There is a prevalent belief that king Bhompal received instructions from Goddess Kaila Devi to built the temple for her as he was a great devotee of Kaila Devi, he built this temple and since then the place has become so sacred that millions of people from far and wide come here for darshan.
Brief of the Diety:
In the sanctum sanctorum, there are two idols. The idol of Kaila Devi is slightly reclined as the neck of the goddess is bend. The idols are very old and they are made of the locally available stone.
Religious sect to which the temple belongs:
Shakta sect holds sway of the temple but it is worshiped by all Hindus and all others.
Architecture of the Temple:
Important Architectural Characteristics:
The temple is a fine example of medieval architecture. The shikhar is very high like pyramid. There is an open court. The Jagmohan (prayer hall is also the same). The ornamental work, engraving and encarving have been done on walls and pillars.
Material of Construction:
Red Stone of Karoli
Total Construction Time:
About 50 years.
Religious aspects of temple:
The temple has a strong hold on peoples faith. Kaila Devi is an incarnation of Durga Devi. It is believed that the mela of Kaila Devi is the biggest one in North India.
Unique features of the temple:
Festivals & Fairs in Temple (Main Events):
In the Navratras of Chaitra and Ashwin every year millions of people come and offer their presence to the Goddess. These days are held as sacred days.
Timings:
Morning Time:
5.00 am
Evening Time:
10.00 pm
Custom & Traditions of Temple:
Though this is a Shakta temple but the traditions followed are the Vaishnavs traditions and as such meat and wine are strictly prohibited. Bhandara (feasting open for all) is organized.
Vandana (If any particular) in text:
Issues requiring global attention for conservation, protection and improvement of the temple:
Since the temple holds a great place in this area, it would be in the fitness of things that the ilaqua is beautified, the drab landscape is converted into a lush green forest track. The nearby Chambal ravines are a permanent menace but even the dacoits and bad elements are afraid of the deity and pose no potential danger.
