Tucked inside the iconic Amer Fort, the Shila Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Rajasthan. Dedicated to Goddess Durga (in her Shila Mata form), the temple is famous for its miraculous origin story and its stunning silver architecture. For the Royal Family of Jaipur, Shila Devi is the Kuldevi (ancestral deity) who has protected the fort and its people for over four centuries.
🕒 Visitor Information: Timings & Entry (2026)
Shila Devi Temple follows traditional Hindu temple hours, closing in the afternoon for the deity’s rest.
| Category | Details |
| Entry Fee | No Entry Fee (Free for all) |
| Morning Timings | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening Timings | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | During the morning Aarti (around 7:00 AM) |
| Location | Jaleb Chowk, Amer Fort, Jaipur |
📜 The Legend of the Floating Stone
The history of the temple is as fascinating as its architecture:
The Jessore Connection: In 1604 AD, Maharaja Man Singh I was defeated by King Kedar of Jessore (now in Bangladesh). Seeking divine help, he prayed to Goddess Kali.
The Dream: The Goddess appeared in his dream, instructing him to retrieve a stone slab (Shila) floating in the sea.
The Idol: The Maharaja found the slab, which was brought to Amer and carved into the current idol. Because it originated from a stone slab, she is called Shila Devi.
🎨 Architectural Masterpiece
While the fort is made of red sandstone and marble, the temple stands out for its intricate metallic work:
The Silver Gate: The entrance features a massive solid silver door. It is embossed with the images of the Nav Durgas (nine forms of Durga) and the Mahavidyas (ten wisdom goddesses).
The Main Sanctum: Inside, you will see two large silver lions guarding the goddess. The idol itself is tilted slightly to the left; local legend says it turned its head away when the Maharaja once failed to fulfill a promise.
Ganesh Pol connection: The temple is located right next to the famous Ganesh Pol gateway, making it a natural stop during your fort tour.
🗓️ Special Celebrations: Navratri 2026
During the Shardiya Navratri (October) and Chaitra Navratri (March/April), the temple becomes the focal point of Jaipur’s spiritual life.
The Crowds: Thousands of devotees trek up the fort to offer prayers.
The Offering: Traditionally, a drink called Charna-amrit (made with ginger and water) is offered to devotees.
📍 Attractions Near Shila Devi Temple
Since the temple is within the Amer complex, you can easily visit:
Jagat Shiromani Temple (400m): Famous for its link to Meera Bai and Lord Krishna.
Panna Meena Ka Kund (600m): An ancient stepwell perfect for photography.
Jaigarh Fort: Connected via a secret tunnel or a short uphill drive to see the world’s largest cannon.
🚗 How to Reach Shila Devi Temple
By Bus: Local “AC-1” or “AC-2” buses run frequently from Ajmeri Gate and Hawa Mahal to Amer.
By Elephant/Jeep: Once you reach the Amer base, you can take an elephant ride (morning only) or a 4×4 Jeep to reach the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) where the temple is located.
By Foot: A 10-minute climb from the elephant stand via the sun gate (Suraj Pol).
💡 Expert Tips for 2026
Dress Code: While there is no strict dress code, it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. You must remove your shoes and leather items (belts, wallets) before entering the temple sanctum.
Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum. You may take photos of the silver gates and the exterior.
Avoid the Heat: Visit during the morning slot (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) to avoid the afternoon sun, as the marble floors of the fort can get very hot.
This “Sacred Triangle” walking tour is a journey through time in Old Amer. It connects the three most powerful spiritual sites in the area, moving from the royal fort down into the ancient town.
🕉️ The Sacred Triangle: Amer Heritage Walk (2026 Guide)
Total Walking Distance: 1.2 Kilometers
Total Time: 2.5 – 3 Hours
Best Time: Start at 8:00 AM (to catch the morning Aarti at Shila Devi).
Stop 1: Shila Devi Temple (The Royal Guardian)
Significance: The ancestral goddess of the Jaipur Royal family.
What to See: The solid silver doors embossed with the nine forms of Durga and the idol brought from Jessore.
The Route: From the main courtyard of Amer Fort (Jaleb Chowk), walk towards the Chand Pol (Moon Gate) exit. This leads to a staircase that descends directly into Amer town.
Stop 2: Jagat Shiromani Temple (The Jewel of Amer)
Distance from Shila Devi: 400 meters (Downstairs path).
Significance: Built by Queen Kanakwati in memory of her son, it is arguably the most beautiful temple in Jaipur.
What to See: The stunning Toran (ornamental marble archway) carved from a single piece of stone. It houses the same idol of Lord Krishna that the poet-saint Meera Bai worshipped 600 years ago.
2026 Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Stop 3: Ambikeshwar Mahadev (The Origin Point)
Distance from Jagat Shiromani: 500 meters (Flat walk through Amer village lanes).
Significance: The town “Amer” is actually named after this temple. It predates the fort and is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
What to See: The underground Shivling. The floor of the temple is about 22 feet below the road level. During the monsoon, the temple naturally fills with water, submerging the deity in a natural Jalabhishek.
2026 Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
🏛️ Comparison Table for Your Visit
| Temple | Dedicated To | Primary Material | Vibe |
| Shila Devi | Goddess Durga | Silver & Marble | Royal & Busy |
| Jagat Shiromani | Lord Krishna | Black Stone & Sandstone | Artistic & Serene |
| Ambikeshwar | Lord Shiva | Ancient Stone | Mystical & Quiet |
🧭 Trail Tips for 2026
The Hidden Path: Instead of taking a taxi between the fort and town, use the “Royal Staircase” exit near Chand Pol. It’s a scenic descent that most tourists miss.
Panna Meena Kund: This famous stepwell is just a 5-minute walk from the Ambikeshwar Mahadev temple. It’s the perfect place to end your tour and rest your feet.
Monkeys: The walk between Stop 1 and Stop 2 is heavily populated by monkeys. Keep all snacks and shiny objects (like sunglasses) inside your bag.
Local Treat: Once you reach Amer town (near Ambikeshwar), look for local shops selling “Amer ki Gujiya”—a traditional sweet that has been made here for generations.
