A number of legendary tales are prevalent about the installation of the idol of Shila Devi in this temple. According to the archaeological narration at the entrance of the temple, the idol was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) during a campaign of Raja Man Singh. It is said that after an unsuccessful attempt to defeat Kedar Raja, Man Singh sought the blessings of the idol for success in his campaign, the goddess urged her release from the clutches of Raja Kedar in return. Accordingly to the pledge, the goddess helped Man Singh to win the battle and Man Singh also emancipated the idol from the clutches of Raja Kedar. Another story says that the idol was presented to Raja Man Singh by Raja Kedar in the marriage of his daughter to the former.
But it is certain that the present idol was made out of a ‘shila’ (शिला) — a large piece of stone’ lying in the sea, and that is why the idol has been named as Shila Devi (शिलादेवी). The rulers of Jaipur have great faith in Shila Devi and this factor is alone responsible for the proper upkeep and maintenance of the temple. The entrance gate to the main temple is carved with the images of Dashmahavidya and Nav Durga on a silver base. Dashmahavidya, as mentioned ancient religious scriptures, are Kali, Tara, Shodashi, Bhuvneshwari, Chhinnamasta, Tripura Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Baglamukhi, Sri Matangi and Kamala. Nav Durga, as mentioned in Durgasaptashati, are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri.
Inside the temple are beautiful paintings of Mahakali and Mahalaxmi painted by artist Dhirendra Ghosh. The varandah facing the ‘Nij Mandir’ known as ‘Jagmohan’ or assembly hall has a silver bell which the devotees ring before worshipping the deity. Bengali style is evident in the structures of certain pillars and ‘Kadli Stambh’, which are built in the natural colours of the “Prastars”. The idols of Ganesh and Mother Hingla, the goddess of Meena clan, flank the Shila Devi. Two fairs in Navratras are also held during which animal sacrifices are made in order to please the goddess. The members of the royal family of Jaipur and other feudal knights of the former princely state of Jaipur take part in the Navratra ceremonies. Leather products are not permitted to be carried inside the temple. Photography is strictly prohibited. Many devotees offer alcohol / wine to the goddess.