As per the legend, the ruling family of Karauli, recognised as the head of the Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, is the descendant of Lord Krishna. Situated 23 kms from Kaila Devi, Karauli was an erstwhile princely state in eastern Rajasthan. Karauli is famous for its pale red-stone. Karauli has some noted places of visit like temples of Kaila Devi and Madan Mohanji and other historic monuments. The annual fair at the Kaila Devi temple is quite popular.

HISTORY

Karauli is a holy city situated 160 kms from Jaipur. Earlier called Kalyanpuri, after the local deity Kalyanji, Karauli was founded in 1348 AD. Karauli was strongly fortified by its rulers. The city is surrounded by a wall of red sandstone strengthened by bastions at several places. The peripheral wall, now dilapidated at several places, has six gates and eleven posterns.

CULTURE

The devotees bring with them cash, coconuts, kajal (kohl), tikki (vermilion), sweets and bangles as offerings to the goddess.

The ritual of Kanak-Dandoti is 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.

SHOPPING

Local bazaars are a must-visit for exclusive items of handicrafts, and colourful bangles of Karauli.

LOCATION

160-km From Jaipur, Rajasthan.

By Air

Jaipur is the nearest airport, which is 160-km, from Karauli.

By Rail

The nearest junction is Gangapur city - 81-km.

By Road

160-km from Jaipur, by road.

CLIMATE

Summer : max. 45.8°C, min. 30.5°C
Winter : max. 28°C, min. 8.6°C

Built as a royal residence, in the year 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur, the then ruler of Karauli is the Bhanwar Vilas Palace.The architecture is of colonial style and the interiors are furnished with art-de-decor period furniture.

The old, yet monumental City Palace is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, magnificent lattice work and classic paintings. The mesmerizing beauty of Darbar Hall is an experience in itself.

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 city is the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, the deity of Lord Krishna, worshipped by millions of followers from Rajasthan and other states. The ancient and magnificently built temples of Madan Mohanji and Kalyanji are thronged by thousands of devotees every year.