Towards the end of sixteenth century, Maharaja Mansingh brought the statue of the goddess Shila Mata from the eastern part of Bengal. In the kingdom of Pratapaditya, Maharaja Mansingh received a defeat at the hands of king Kedar. Humiliated and depressed, the Maharaja worshipped goddess Kali to please her and receive her blessings so as to change his defeat into victory. Kali appeared in a dream
to bless him. The goddess also obtained a promise from the Maharaja that he would establish her shrine in his capital. The idol of goddess was recovered from sea in the form of a Shila (Slab) and it was brought to Amer when cleaned and washed, the present idol appeared. This is why the goddess is named as Shila Mata. In the bright half of the month of Ashwin and Chaitra, the first nine days are held sacred for religious Practices and ritualistic performances. The devotees, specially in this holy and auspicious period, offer special prayers. For all the nine day a constant stream of people can be seen and the sea of humanity assembled here evokes great and sublime thoughts of veneration of the mother goddess. imings:
Morning Time: 6.00 am to 12.00 pm
Evening Time:
4.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Custom & Traditions of Temple:
In accordance with the tenets and rituals of Shakta cult, prayers are offered and Pooja performed. Recitation of Shri Durga Saptashati is also a regular feature. This treatise from the Markandeya Purana gives an account of Shri Durga's great exploits, her wars against demons and her veneration by all gods. The language is sublime and dignified.
