Above image: silver-plated entrance door wirh embossed images of deitiesAmer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan is dedicated to goddess Durga and lots of devotees come here for prayer and blessings. It is on the right side of the Jaleb Chowk, a part of the massive fort. The popular idol enshrined here, it is believed, was brought by Raja Man Singh I of Amber from Jessore (now in Bangladesh) in 1604 CE. ..........
The Shila Devi Temple, located within the sprawling Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga, an incarnation of Kali. Built during the reign of Raja Man Singh I in the late 16th century, the temple is known for its serene atmosphere and deep historical roots. The entrance, positioned on the right side of the Jaleb Chowk, features a remarkable silver-plated double door with embossed images of various deities.
The primary deity enshrined in the sanctum is flanked by two silver lions. The idol itself, believed to have been brought from Jessore (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh in 1604 CE, is said to be carved from a single black stone slab, which led to its name, "Shila Devi" (Sila meaning stone). A monolithic idol of Lord Ganesha, made from a single piece of coral rock, stands at the temple's entrance, adding to its unique architectural features. The temple's overall design is a testament to traditional Rajasthani architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and majestic columns.
There are two primary legends about the idol's installation. One version tells of Raja Man Singh praying to Goddess Kali for victory against the Raja of Jessore. The goddess appeared in his dream, instructing him to retrieve her idol from the seabed. Following his victory in 1604, he retrieved and installed the idol in the temple, fulfilling the goddess's command. Another version suggests that after his victory, the defeated ruler of Jessore gifted Raja Man Singh a black stone slab. This stone, said to have been used by King Kamsa to kill Lord Krishna's older siblings, was then carved into the image of Goddess Durga Mahishasura Mardini. In return, Man Singh generously returned the kingdom to the defeated ruler.
The Shila Devi has been revered as the protector of the Amber kingdom and the family deity of the Kachwaha Rajputs, with the royal family seeking her blessings during times of war and political turmoil. Navaratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess, is celebrated with great fervor twice a year, attracting thousands of devotees. While the practice of animal sacrifice was once common, it was banned by the government in 1975 and has since been replaced with symbolic offerings of fruits and sweets. Despite their family deity being Jamva Mata of Ramgarh, the descendants of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers remain ardent devotees of Shila Devi.
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