Shila Devi Temple: You Won’t Believe What Happens Here!
Discover the unique tradition of Shila Devi Temple in Amber Fort, Jaipur. Explore the temple’s history, rituals, and spiritual significance. Find out why this rare practice continues to amaze visitors!
When visiting Amber Fort in Jaipur, most travelers expect to see stunning palaces and grand courtyards. But hidden inside this historic fortress is the Shila Devi Temple Jaipur, a place where history, faith, and an unexpected ritual come together. Unlike most Hindu temples, where offerings include sweets or flowers, here, wine is offered to the goddess and later given to devotees as prasadam! Sounds unbelievable, right? But there’s a deep cultural significance behind this practice. Let’s explore the temple’s history, traditions, and the surprising ritual that continues to amaze visitors.
A Legend That Stands the Test of Time
The Shila Devi Temple dates back to the late 16th century. Raja Man Singh I, one of Emperor Akbar’s most powerful generals, was a devoted follower of Goddess Kali. Before heading into a crucial battle in Bengal, he prayed for the goddess’s blessings. According to legend, she appeared in his dream and instructed him to retrieve her idol from the depths of the sea.
Following her command, Raja Man Singh found the idol—a sacred stone slab (shila)—near the Bay of Bengal. He brought it back to Amber and enshrined it within the fort, naming it Shila Devi. Since then, the temple has been a revered spiritual site, drawing thousands of devotees, especially during Navratri.
An Architectural and Spiritual Marvel
This Amber Fort temple is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. The entrance has stunning silver doors, and the idol of the goddess is beautifully adorned with flowers, gold ornaments, and a red cloth. The rhythmic sound of bells and chants fills the air, creating a spiritual ambiance that feels both powerful and peaceful.
In the past, animal sacrifices were part of the worship, but this practice has mostly been discontinued. Today, the temple follows different offerings while maintaining its deep-rooted traditions.
Surprising Ritual: Wine as an Offering
One of the most unique customs at Shila Devi Temple is the offering of wine to the goddess. Unlike most Hindu temples, where traditional bhog includes sweets or coconut, here, wine is given as an offering. After the deity receives the wine, it is later distributed among devotees as prasadam.
Why is wine offered at Shila Devi Temple?
This practice might seem shocking to some, but it holds cultural and spiritual significance. In Shakti worship, Goddess Kali is considered a powerful force of nature, and certain Tantric traditions believe that offering wine symbolizes transformation and divine energy.
This ritual is not exclusive to this temple—Kal Bhairav temples in India also follow a similar tradition. However, in Rajasthan, Shila Devi Temple remains one of the few places where this practice continues.
Not Comfortable with Wine? No Problem!
If you prefer not to accept wine as prasadam, you can ask for charnamrit (holy water) instead. The temple respects individual choices, ensuring that every devotee receives a divine blessing in a way they feel comfortable with.
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