Have you ever visited a place where animals are worshipped? Food is shared with them with so much joy and love. Yes, you guessed it right! I’m talking about one of the famous temples, Karni Mata temple. This temple has thousands of rats as its beloved residents. It’s a must-see destination.
location
Bikaner offers a rich experience for travellers of diverse interests, be it history, culture, or adventure. With its timeless beauty and abundant attractions, the city ensures satisfaction for all types of visitors. Among its numerous destinations, Karni Mata Temple stands out as a revered site, drawing thousands of devotees annually. Located in Deshnok, a quaint town 30 km from Bikaner, this temple is dedicated to Karni Mata
History
The history of Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner is steeped in various legends. According to the most popular tale, Karni Mata’s stepson, Laxman, drowned in Kapil Sarovar while attempting to drink from it. Upon learning of this tragedy, Karni Mata beseeched Yama, the god of death, to revive her son. Initially reluctant, Yama eventually agreed, but with a twist: he allowed Laxman and all of Karni Mata’s sons to be reincarnated as rats.
Another well-known legend revolves around the presence of rats in the temple. Allegedly, around 20,000 soldiers abandoned a battle and sought refuge in Deshnok to escape death. Karni Mata, angered by their desertion, initially intended to punish them with death. However, her compassion prevailed, and instead, she transformed the soldiers into rats. Grateful for their spared lives, the rats pledged eternal service to Karni Mata.
Architecture
The magnificent Karni Mata Temple showcases Mughal architectural influences and was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji of Bikaner, with construction completed in the early 20th century. Its front features a striking marble facade adorned with intricate carvings, complemented by solid silver doors that exude magnificence. Inside, additional silver doors depict various legends associated with the goddess. The temple’s inner sanctum houses the idol of Karni Mata, attracting devotees seeking her divine blessings.
Among the temple’s mysteries is the legend of the white rat. Devotees consider a sighting of this rare white rat as exceptionally auspicious, believing it to be a manifestation of Karni Mata herself. Spotting this sacred creature during a visit to the temple is deemed a stroke of luck, adding to the spiritual significance of the experience
Fair
The Karni Mata Temple organises fairs twice every year. The first in the month of March/April during Navaratri .The second fair is again organised during Navaratri in the month of September/October from Ashwin Shukla Paksha Prathama to Ashwin Shukla Paksha Dashmi
Timings to visit
Karni Mata Temple of Bikaner is open all days of the week. The timings of this temple in Deshnok are between 4 AM and 10 PM. However, on special days, these timings might be changed
How to reach?
To reach Karni Mata Temple, you can follow these general directions:
Location: Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnoke, a small town around 30 kilometres from Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan, India.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is about 250 kilometres away from Bikaner. From there, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Bikaner.
By Train: Bikaner Junction is the nearest railway station to Karni Mata Temple. You can take a train to Bikaner from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and others. From Bikaner, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Deshnok.
By Road: Bikaner is well-connected by road to major cities in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. You can drive to Bikaner or take a bus from nearby cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi. From Bikaner, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Deshnok.
Once you reach Bikaner or Deshnoke, you can ask locals for specific directions to Karni Mata Temple as it’s a well-known landmark in the area.
Some special tips
1) Photography is allowed inside the premises.
There is no entry fee there.
Check the timings of the temple before visiting.
Walk without dragging your feet in the premises to avoid harming any rats.
Final thoughts
This temple has been featured in an American reality show. Commonly known as the temple of rats, it’s something quite extraordinary. The legends and the presence of the white rat make it one of the most enchanting places. It’s definitely worth a visit.”
