Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok, Bikaner Rajasthan

Bikaner is known for its mythical culture, magical temples and forts all across the globe. Karni Mata Temple is one of them. Located south of Bikaner, almost 30 km, Karni Mata Temple is also known as the Temple of Rats, or simply The Rat Temple. The temple houses over 20,000 rats, who are worshipped as mythical creatures. The temple is religiously visited by devotees, and also by curious tourists and travellers across the globe.

Current Architecture

The current structure of Karni Mata Temple was built under the supervision of Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner in the early 20th century. The Temple resembles Mughal architectural style, with a marble front and silver solid door, looking majestic and breathtaking. Walking further into the temple premises, you will be welcomed by a few more splendid silver doors that are a true depiction of several legends directly linked with Karni Mata. The inner sanctum of the temple houses Karni Mata in her full glory.

The year 1999 saw a few additions being made to the temple by Kundanlal Verma, owner of Hyderabad based jewellery store, Karni Jewellers. A magnificent marble carving and extraordinary silver gates were donated by him.

Temple legend

Spotting black rats across the temple premises is easy, and is of course a holy sign but spotting a white rat is rare and truly lucky. It is considered a direct blessing from the Goddess herself. White Rat is considered Karni Mata’s true manifestation.The temple is famous for the approximately 25,000 black rats that live, and are revered, in the temple. These holy rats are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world. Legend has it that Laxman, son of Karni mata, drowned in a pond in Kapil Sarovar in Kolayat Tehsil while he was attempting to drink from it. Karni Mata implored Yama, the god of death, to revive him. First refusing, Yama eventually relented, permitting Laxman and all of Karni Mata’s male children to be reincarnated as rats

Temple timings

Karni Mata temple opens for visitors at 4:00 AM in the morning, when the temple priest perform the Mangla Aarti, subsequently offering Bhog. The temple gates are closed for visitors at 10:00 PM. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees with enthusiasm and devotion throughout the year.

How to reach karni mata temple

You can reach Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok via three options, road and by air.

If you are travelling via air then you would need to get down at the Bikaner airport and travel 30.5 km southwards. You can easily avail taxis to reach the destination.

If you are travelling by your own vehicle, on the road, then you would want to travel on NH 89 to reach the temple.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Bikaner about 30 km away. It is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, Allahabad, etc.

Best time to visit the temple

Karni Mata Temple is a must visit for devotees at least twice every year, once in the month(s) of March/April, during Navratri and second during the month(s) of September/October, again during Navratri. Karni Mata fair is held during these periods, which is attended by thousands of devotees.