Shila Devi Ji Temple. Amer Fort

Rajasthan , Jaipur, Jaipur

Inside the Amer fort, nestled in the lap of the green hills, is the temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. She is worshipped as Shila Mata in this shrine built by Maharaja Man Singh I in the late sixteenth to early 17th century. The temple is known for its grand celebrations during the Navaratras.

Legend

In the kingdom of Pratapaditya, after Maharaja Mansingh was defeated in war, he worshipped goddess Kali to please her and receive her blessings for victory. Kali appeared in a dream and asked Maharaja to built a shrine for her in his capital. The idol of goddess was recovered from sea in the form of a Shila (Slab) from the eastern part of Bengal and it was brought to Amer. Hence the Goddess here is also called Shila Mata.

Architecture

The temple built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra, is extremely exquisite in its architecture with carved pillars, walls and panels. It is said that the temple construction took about ten years for completion. The entrance gate in silver has carvings of Mahavidyas on the left and the Navadurgas on the right.. The idol of Goddess is made of Shila or Stone Slab. It has an image of Lord Ganesha on the doorway that is carved from a single piece of coral.

Pic Courtesy : Wikipedia

Darsan Info

Temple timings:

Morning : 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Evening : 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
During Rajbhog (10.30 AM to 11.00 AM), visitors are not allowed.

On the sixth day of Navratris, special prayers are offered to this goddess. Hundreds of thousands of people from Jaipur and surrounding areas come here to pay offerings to Shila Devi.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative clothing.

Famous Festival

April - Chaitra Navratra
October - Navratri

Culture

Jaipur, the capital of Rajsthan is also known as the 'Pink city'. The beautiful palaces, forts, temples and other monuments make Jaipur a major tourist destination in India. It is also famous for its arts and handicrafts.