Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, is a special Hindu temple for Goddess Karni Mata, seen as a form of Goddess Durga. It is 30 kilometers south of Bikaner and famous for its thousands of rats, called kabbas, believed to be holy. This blog gives simple, clear facts about the temple’s past, how it is built, its role in worship, and how to visit.
History of Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple was built in the early 1900s by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, but its story starts in the 15th century. Karni Mata, born in 1387 in Suwap, was a Charan caste mystic, known as a warrior-saint who helped the Bikaner kingdom. Tales say she did miracles, like bringing water to dry lands and saving people. One story tells of her stepson, Laxman, drowning in a pond. She asked Yama, the death god, to bring him back, but he refused. Instead, he let Laxman and her other stepchildren be reborn as rats, seen as her holy descendants in the temple.The current temple, finished around 1900, was funded by the Bikaner royal family. It is run by the Charan community and Depawat priests, tied to Karni Mata’s clan. The temple became famous for its rats, which are fed and protected. It draws many people, especially during the Karni Mata Fair, held twice a year in Chaitra and Ashwin months, around March–April and September–October.
Architecture of Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple is a beautiful building in the Rajput-Mughal style, with a marble front and silver gates given by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The entrance has a carved marble arch with flowers and animals, leading to an open courtyard. The main room has a 75-centimeter stone idol of Karni Mata, wearing a gold crown and jewelry. Smaller shrines for gods like Shiva and Ganesha are also in the complex. The temple’s special feature is its 20,000–25,000 black rats, which run freely. A rare white rat is thought to be Karni Mata herself, very holy to see. The rats eat milk, grains, and sweets given by priests and visitors. The floor is tiled for cleanliness, and nets keep pigeons from taking the rats’ food. The courtyard has a shop for puja items and a shaded spot for resting. The temple’s white marble and silver shine, though the rats can surprise new visitors.
Rituals and Worship
The Karni Mata Temple is a big spiritual place for the Charan community and those who honor Karni Mata, seen as a protector and miracle-doer. The rats, called kabbas, are believed to be her reborn family, and their presence shows her blessings. Eating food or drinking milk touched by the rats is thought to bring luck and health. Seeing a white rat is a rare, special blessing.The temple is busiest during the Karni Mata Fair at Navratri, in spring and autumn, when people bring milk and sweets and pray. Daily rituals include mangala aarti at sunrise and sandhya aarti at sunset, led by Depawat priests. The temple’s unique rat worship draws people asking for safety, wealth, or healing, making it a place of strong faith and wonder.
Things to Do at Karni Mata Temple
Visitors can do things that mix prayer, culture, and local life:
Join in Worship: Take part in aartis or offer milk and sweets to the rats, seen as a holy act.
Look at the Temple: See the marble carvings, silver gates, and Karni Mata’s idol in the main room.
Find the White Rat: Try to spot the rare white rat for a special blessing.
Visit Nearby Places: Go to Bikaner, 30 kilometers away, to see Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, or the Camel Research Centre.
Shop in Deshnoke: Buy handicrafts or snacks at small stalls near the temple.
Visiting Information for Karni Mata Temple
How to Get There
The temple is in Deshnoke, 30 kilometers south of Bikaner and 260 kilometers from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
By Plane: Jodhpur Airport, 220 kilometers away, or Jaipur International Airport, 260 kilometers away, are the closest. From either, take a taxi or bus to Bikaner, about 4–5 hours, then a 30-minute ride to Deshnoke.
By Train: Deshnoke Railway Station, 2 kilometers away, has trains from Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Delhi. Bikaner Junction, 30 kilometers away, has more trains. From Deshnoke station, walk or take an auto-rickshaw; from Bikaner, use a taxi or bus.
By Road: From Bikaner, take NH62 to Deshnoke, about 30–40 minutes. Buses from Bikaner’s bus stand go to Deshnoke every 15–20 minutes. From Jaipur, take NH52 to Bikaner, 5–6 hours, then to Deshnoke. Taxis or auto-rickshaws reach the temple, with parking nearby.
Temple Hours
The temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Mangala aarti is at 4:30 AM, and sandhya aarti is at 7:00 PM. During Karni Mata Fair, it may stay open longer. Ask priests for festival times.
Best Time to Go
Visit from October to March, when it’s 10–25°C, nice for travel. The Karni Mata Fair during Navratri, in March–April or September–October, is busy but special. Summers, April to June, are hot, up to 45°C, so go early. Rainy months, July to September, may bring rain.
Rules for Visitors
Wear plain clothes: men need shirts, trousers, or dhotis; women need sarees, salwar kameez, or long dresses. Take off shoes; there’s a place to keep them. No photos are allowed in the main room. No smoking, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food is allowed. Walk carefully to avoid stepping on rats, as it’s disrespectful. Offer milk or sweets if you want, but it’s not needed. Keep the temple clean.
Final Words
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke is a one-of-a-kind place, honoring Goddess Karni Mata and holy rats. The faith in Karni Mata’s power and the lively fairs draw people from far away. Visiting here lets you feel Rajasthan’s deep spiritual side and see its unusual ways. Plan a trip to this sacred and surprising temple.
