Shila Mata Mandir Temple, also known as Shila Mata Mandir Baba Temple, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, India. The temple is dedicated to Shila Mata, a highly revered saint who is believed to have miraculous powers. The temple is situated atop a hill, and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during festivals.
History:
The history of Shila Mata Mandir Temple dates back to several centuries. It is said that Sila Peer Baba, the saint to whom the temple is dedicated, used to reside in a cave on the hill where the temple now stands. He is believed to have performed many miracles and had a large number of followers. After his demise, a temple was built in his memory at the same spot where he used to meditate.
About the Place:
In the year 1580 AD, the statue of Shila Devi was brought to Amer by Raja Maan Singh, the king of Amer. Hence, a saying is popular in Jaipur, “Sanganer ko sango babo, Jaipur ko Hanuman, Amer ki Shila Devi layo Raja Maan” (Sanganer has its Sanganeer Baba, Jaipur has Lord Hanuman, and Amer has the goddess Shila Devi brought by Raja Maan).
Maan Singh was the commander-in-chief of the Mughal army and used to go to war on the orders of Akbar. Once he was appointed as the governor of Bengal, where he fought a battle against King Kedar of Jessore (present-day Bangladesh). After winning the battle, he brought the statue of Shila Devi with him to Amer and had it installed in a magnificent temple.
There are different opinions among historians about this subject. According to one version, Raja Kedar gave the statue of the goddess to Maan Singh as a gift after he lost the battle. He also arranged for his daughter to marry Maan Singh. Another version suggests that when Maan Singh was unsuccessful in the battle, he learned that Raja Kedar had a statue of Kali Mata, whose blessings made him invincible. Maan Singh started worshipping Kali Mata and sought her guidance. The goddess appeared in his dream and gave him her blessings for victory. She also asked him to bring her statue to his capital and build a temple for her. Maan Singh won the battle with the blessings of the goddess and fulfilled his promise by bringing her statue to Amer.
A third version states that the goddess had instructed Raja Kedar that she would not leave until Raja Maan himself asked her to go. Delighted with Maan Singh’s worship, Kedar allowed the goddess to leave with Maan Singh. However, when Kedar’s daughter disguised herself as the goddess and sat on the throne, the goddess herself revealed the truth to Kedar, and he allowed her to leave with Maan Singh.
Regardless of the version, the statue of Shila Devi is still worshipped in the Shila Mata temple in Amer. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of the goddess and is a must-visit for tourists who want to explore the cultural and religious heritage of Jaipur. The temple’s architecture is magnificent, and the atmosphere inside is serene and calming. The temple is a fine example of the Hindu style of architecture and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Shila Mata Mandir, located in Hanumangarh, is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Shila Devi. According to legend, in 1580 AD, Raja Maan Singh of Amer brought the idol of Shila Devi to Jaipur. The temple’s history is shrouded in mystery and several versions of the story exist.
According to one version, during a battle, Raja Maan Singh made a vow to offer one sacrifice daily to the goddess. For some time, the Rajas kept their promise, but eventually, animal sacrifices were offered instead of human sacrifices. When the goddess became angry, she turned her face away from the worshippers, and it has remained so to this day.
In 1972, the practice of animal sacrifices was stopped after protests from Jain activists. The temple is made entirely of marble and features a silver door with images of various forms of the goddess engraved on it.
The temple also houses idols of the Kuldevi of the Meena community, Hinglaj Mata. The Meena community ruled over the area before the Kachwaha dynasty, and they brought the idol of Hinglaj Mata from Afghanistan.
The temple is managed by a Bengali Brahmin family, who perform the daily rituals and maintain the temple. The temple is a popular destination for devotees and visitors alike, and its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit attraction in Hanumangarh.
- The temple is believed to have been built during the medieval period.
- The temple is situated at a height of 200 feet above the ground level.
- The temple offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
- The temple is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit Shila Mata Mandir Temple.
Charges for Photography and Video Camera: There is no charge for photography and video camera.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Shila Mata Mandir Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Timings and Closed Day: The temple is open from 6 AM to 7 PM every day.
How Much Time It Will Take to See This Place? It takes around 1-2 hours to visit Shila Mata Mandir Temple.
Where to Park Your Vehicle When Visiting This Place? There is a parking area at the base of the hill, where visitors can park their vehicles.
Nearest Metro Stations/ Railway Station/ Airport: The nearest railway station to Shila Mata Mandir Temple is Hanumangarh Junction Railway Station, which is around 10 km away.
Activities to do at this place:
- Pray and seek blessings of Shila Mata Mandir.
- Enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
- Take a leisurely walk around the temple complex.
FAQs:
Q. What is the significance of Shila Mata Mandir Baba?
A. Sila Peer Baba is a highly revered saint who is believed to have miraculous powers.
Q. Is there any dress code to enter the temple?
A. There is no dress code to enter the temple, but visitors are advised to dress modestly.
Q. Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
A. Yes, non-Hindus can visit the temple.
Q. Are there any food stalls or restaurants near the temple?
A. Yes, there are several food stalls and restaurants near the temple.
Q. Can we take photographs inside the temple?
A. Yes, photography is allowed inside the temple.
Movies Shot Here: There are no movies shot at Shila Mata Mandir Temple.
Events and Important News:
There have been no significant events or news related to the Shila Mata Mandir Temple in recent times. However, the temple remains an important religious and cultural site in the Hanumangarh district.
In terms of popular culture, the temple has not been featured in any movies or TV shows. Nevertheless, its peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike.
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