Located in the Deshnok Village near Bikaner, the temple is home to over 20,000 revered rats, called kaba, making it one of the most unique spiritual landmarks in India. For locals, these rats symbolise blessings, and spotting a white rat is considered highly auspicious.
When planning your Rajasthan tour packages, do not miss the chance to visit the mysterious and fascinating Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, also known as the Temple of Rats. If you’re booking Rajasthan tour packages or looking for unusual temples to explore, this one of a kind temple deserves a spot on your itinerary.
What Makes Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan Special?
Unlike other temples known for their architecture, the Karni Mata Temple near Bikaner is known for its sacred rats. Devotees believe that the souls of the Charan clan reincarnate as rats before being reborn as humans, which is why these rats are worshipped.
- More than 20,000 rats roam freely inside the temple premises.
- Devotees offer food grains like milk, grains, sweets, coconut, and even liquor to the rats.
- Food nibbled by the rats is considered holy prasad, and no one has even fallen ill from consuming it.
- Spotting a white rat is said to bring immense good fortune.
An interesting fact is that despite the presence of thousands of rats, the temple is surprisingly clean, odor free, and disease free. Undoubtedly, it is amongst the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
Karni Mata, born in 1378, is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Popularly known for her miracles, she laid the foundation of forts like Bikaner & Mehrangarh. She lived for 151 years, and after her passing in 1538, the temple was built in her honour.
According to legend, when her stepson Laxmana drowned, she pleaded with Yamraj (the god of death) to restore his life. Yamraj relented but allowed him to be reborn as a rat. From then on, it was believed that members of the Charan lineage would be reincarnated as rats before returning as humans.
Another tale says that Karni Mata transformed a group of 20,000 soldiers, who deserted a battle, into rats. These stories add to the mystical aura of the Rat Temple of Rajasthan.
Architecture of Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple Rajasthan, completed in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, is built with marble and Mughal style architecture. Its silver gates, intricate carvings, and the idol of Karni Mata holding a trident create a spiritual yet grand ambiance.
The sanctum houses a 75 cm idol of Karni Mata, adorned with crowns and garlands, flanked by idols of her sisters. Later additions, like silver doors and marble panels, further enhanced the temple’s beauty.
Things To Know Before Visiting Karni Mata Temple
Here are the things to know before visiting Karni Mata Temple, these are also the best things to do in Rajasthan.
Temple Administration: The temple is managed by the Depavat Charan lineage, who have preserved its rituals and traditions for centuries. Inside the sanctum, the head priest (Baridari), conducts the daily worship and ceremonies. The administration ensures discipline, cleanliness, and strict adherence to customs, especially with regard to feeding and protecting the sacred rats that roam freely within the temple premises.
Respecting the Rats: One of the most unique aspects of Karni Mata Temple is the reverence of rats, considered sacred and protected. Accidentally harming or killing a rat here is viewed as a grave sin. To atone, visitors must replace it with a silver or gold rat idol, symbolising respect and devotion. Pilgrims also feed the rats with milk and grains, believing it brings divine blessings.
Karni Mata Fair: The best time to visit Karni Mata Temple is during the vibrant fairs held twice a year, in March-April and September- October during Navratri. These fairs celebrate the life and blessings of Karni Mata, attracting thousands of devotees from across India. The temple comes alive with rituals, devotional songs, and procession, offering a culturally rich and spirituality fulfilling experience for travelers and pilgrims alike.
Oran Parikrama: A lesser known but deeply spiritual practice associated with Karni Mata is the Oran Parikrama, a 42 km pilgrimage walk established by the Goddess herself. Devotees who undertake this journey pledge not to harm any living being during the walk. The parikrama symbolizes purity, devotion, and compassion, and is regarded as a sacred vow that strengthens one’s spiritual connection with Karni Mata’s teachings and blessings.
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How to Reach Karni Mata Temple Rajasthan?
There are various modes to reach Kari Mata Temple. You can either take a flight, train, or you can also travel by road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport (220 km). The airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai, making it a convenient choice for travelers. From the airport, visitors can hire private taxis, shared cabs, or take government buses to reach Deshnok, where the temple is located. The journey offers scenic desert landscapes, giving travelers their first taste of Rajasthan’s royal charm even before arriving at the temple.
By Rail
If you prefer train travel, the closest railway station is Bikaner Junction, situated approximately 30 km away from Deshnok. Bikaner is well connected with express and superfast trains from cities Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur, making it ideal for those opting for packages that include cultural heritage sites. Once you arrive at Bikaner Junction, you can easily get auto rickshaws, local buses, or taxis to reach the temple.The short journey from the station allows visitors to enjoy Bikaner’s vibrant desert town atmosphere.
By Road
For travelers who enjoy road trips, reaching Karni Mata Temple Rajasthan by road is a memorable experience. Bikaner, the nearest major town, is connected to Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi via excellent highways. The road journey to Deshnok offers stunning desert views, small Rajasthani villages, and glimpses of local life, making it more than just transportation, it becomes part of the adventure. Many packages include private cab transfers or luxury buses to the temple. A road trip ensures flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to explore en route.
Conclusion: Why Visit Karni Mata Temple with WanderOn?
The Karni Mata Temple Rajasthan is more than just a shrine; it is a blend of faith, folklore, and unique cultural traditions. Whether you are intrigued by the legend of the reincarnated rats, fascinated by its Mughal-style architecture, or eager to witness the famed Karni Mata Fair, this temple offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When booking your Rajasthan tour packages, include this iconic temple in your travel plan for an unforgettable cultural journey. With WanderOn, you get expertly curated itineraries, guided temple tours, and hassle-free travel arrangements, making your trip to Rajasthan seamless and memorable.
