Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke
A unique Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India, revered for its thousands of sacred rats, believed to be reincarnated devotees.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India, revered for its thousands of sacred rats, believed to be reincarnated devotees.
"A truly unique and fascinating temple! Dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, this place is famous for its thousands of holy rats. "
👣 Walk Carefully!
Rats are everywhere, so watch your step. They are harmless but can be quick!
🥛 Offerings & Prasad
You can buy prasad (offerings) to feed the rats. Some believe eating the rats' leftover prasad is sacred.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sacred Rats
Thousands of 'kaaba' (rats) roam freely, considered divine reincarnations. Spotting a rare white rat is believed to be highly auspicious.
Intricate Marble Architecture
Marvel at the detailed marble work and the stunning silver-inlaid gates, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
The Goddess Karni Mata Shrine
Pay homage to Karni Mata, a 14th-century saint revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👣 Walk Carefully!
Rats are everywhere, so watch your step. They are harmless but can be quick!
🥛 Offerings & Prasad
You can buy prasad (offerings) to feed the rats. Some believe eating the rats' leftover prasad is sacred.
🚫 No Leather Allowed
Remove leather items before entering, as they are considered impure.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the unique sights, but be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
👣 Walk Carefully!
Rats are everywhere, so watch your step. They are harmless but can be quick!
🥛 Offerings & Prasad
You can buy prasad (offerings) to feed the rats. Some believe eating the rats' leftover prasad is sacred.
🚫 No Leather Allowed
Remove leather items before entering, as they are considered impure.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the unique sights, but be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots.
💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the temple.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe the Karni Mata Temple as a uniquely fascinating and deeply spiritual place, renowned for its thousands of sacred rats and beautiful marble architecture. While the sight of so many rodents can be unusual, the devotion and calm atmosphere are often highlighted. It's considered a must-visit for those seeking an extraordinary cultural and religious experience near Bikaner.
"A truly unique and fascinating temple! Dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, this place is famous for its thousands of holy rats that freely roam around — locals believe they are reincarnated devotees. The temple architecture is beautiful, with detailed marble work and silver doors adding to its charm.
At first, the sight of so many rats might feel unusual, but the devotion and calm atmosphere soon make you feel at ease. The temple is quite well maintained considering the number of rats. Try visiting early in the morning or evening to avoid the crowd and heat.
Overall, it’s a must-visit place near Bikaner for anyone interested in experiencing something truly different and deeply spiritual.
Jai Maa 🙏"
Kingsuk Samanta
"A truly divine and unique experience — the temple is home to hundreds of holy rats, and it is believed to be auspicious if you spot the rare white one. The temple seems to be under renovation currently, but the darshan was amazing and peaceful.
You can feed the mice inside the temple; they are harmless but often move close to your feet, so walk carefully. On normal days, the crowd is minimal, especially during morning hours, making the darshan smooth and quick.
A must-visit spiritual place known for its faith, devotion, and extraordinary belief system."
Sambit Tripathy
"The Karni Mata Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Deshnok, Bikaner district, Rajasthan, also known as the "Temple of Rats."
Over 25,000 rats live and are worshipped in this temple. These rats are called "Kaaba" and are considered the children of Karni Mata.
Beliefs associated with the temple
Reincarnation of Rats: According to mythology, Karni Mata's son, Lakshman, died after drowning in a pond. The mother pleaded with Yamraj to bring her son back. Yamraj reincarnated Lakshman and later other followers of the mother as rats.
White Rats: Several white rats are also seen in the temple, which are considered very auspicious. Devotees believe that the white rats are incarnations of Karni Mata herself and her four sons.
Leftover Prasad: In the temple, Prasad eaten by rats is given to devotees, which is considered sacred.
About the Temple
History: Karni Mata was a 14th-century saint, considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The kings of Bikaner built this magnificent temple to worship Karni Mata.
Architecture: The temple is made entirely of marble and its grand gates are decorated with silver inlays.
Temple Hours: The temple is open daily from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Aarti Timings: The Mangala Aarti is performed at 4:30 am and the Sandhya Aarti at 7 pm.
Fair: Twice a year, during Navratri, a grand fair is held here, attracting a large number of devotees.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is in Jodhpur.
Road: Deshnok is located about 30 kilometers south of Bikaner, and regular bus and taxi services are available between the two places.
By Rail: Deshnok Railway Station is situated between Bikaner and Jodhpur."
Virbhadra Panchal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnok, about 30 km south of Bikaner. You can easily reach it by regular bus or taxi services from Bikaner. Deshnok also has a railway station on the Bikaner-Jodhpur line.
Yes, the temple is generally considered safe. Many solo travelers visit. It's advisable to travel during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings.
The nearest major airport is in Jodhpur, which is a few hours away from Deshnok. From Jodhpur, you can take a train or hire a taxi to reach the temple.
Yes, you can drive to the temple. There is parking available in front of the temple gate.
Deshnok is a small village, and the temple is the main attraction. You can easily walk around the temple area. For travel from Bikaner, buses and taxis are the primary options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Karni Mata Temple is free. However, donations are gratefully accepted to support the temple's upkeep.
The temple is open daily from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm, allowing ample time for visitors to experience its unique atmosphere.
The Mangala Aarti is performed at 4:30 am, and the Sandhya Aarti takes place at 7:00 pm. These are significant prayer ceremonies.
No advance booking is required as the temple is free to enter. It's best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid any potential queues.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's respectful to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Also, remember to remove any leather items before entering.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll encounter thousands of rats freely roaming the temple premises, considered sacred. The temple itself is adorned with beautiful marble and silver-inlaid gates.
The rats are considered holy and are generally harmless. However, it's wise to be cautious and watch your step as they move quickly.
Yes, you can purchase prasad (offerings) from shops outside the temple to feed the rats. This is a common practice among devotees.
Absolutely! Seeing a white rat is considered highly auspicious, as they are believed to be incarnations of Karni Mata herself.
The grand gates of the temple are intricately decorated with silver inlays, adding to its architectural splendor and spiritual significance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are many shops in front of the temple selling sweets and other items. For more conventional breakfast or meal options, you might need to travel back to Bikaner.
You'll find local snacks, sweets, and prasad for the rats. For a wider variety of food, Bikaner offers more choices.
Some devotees consider the prasad eaten by rats to be sacred and will partake in it. It's a matter of personal belief.
No, there are no restaurants inside the temple complex. Food options are primarily outside the temple or in Bikaner.
Bikaner is known for its sweets and snacks like 'Ghevar' and 'Bhujia'. Exploring the old city area can lead to hidden culinary gems.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots. Some areas might have restrictions.
The silver gates, the intricate marble carvings, and the general atmosphere of the temple with the rats are great subjects. Capture the devotion of the people.
It's always a good practice to avoid using flash photography inside temples, especially in India, to respect the sanctity of the place and avoid disturbing worshippers or the animals.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A lens that can handle low light might be helpful for indoor shots. Be prepared for a lot of movement from the rats.
Yes, taking photos of the rats is a major part of the experience. Just ensure you do so respectfully and without causing them distress.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are supervised and reminded to walk carefully and not to startle the rats. Consider bringing small, pre-packaged snacks (like biscuits or grains) to feed the rats, which can be a fun and engaging activity for kids. The temple's architecture also provides visual interest. Visiting during cooler parts of the day will make the experience more comfortable for younger visitors.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
Take time to observe the rituals, the prayers, and the quiet devotion of the people. The temple's history and the legends surrounding Karni Mata add layers of spiritual depth to the visit.
📸 Photographers & Culture Enthusiasts
Capture the candid moments of devotion and the fascinating details of daily life within the temple. Beyond photography, it's a cultural immersion. Understanding the local beliefs and the historical context of the temple enriches the experience. Be prepared for a visually stimulating and culturally significant visit that goes beyond the ordinary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Karni Mata and the Rats
This belief is the foundation for the thousands of rats, known as 'kaaba,' that inhabit the temple. They are not seen as pests but as sacred beings, embodying the souls of Karni Mata's devoted followers. The presence of white rats is considered particularly auspicious, believed to be Karni Mata herself and her four sons.
This unique belief system transforms the temple into a place of deep spiritual significance, drawing devotees who come to pay their respects and witness this extraordinary coexistence. The temple's history and the stories surrounding it are as captivating as its architecture.
Architectural Marvels and Sacred Offerings
Devotees often bring offerings of prasad, a sweet confection, to feed the sacred rats. You can purchase these offerings from the numerous shops located in front of the temple. It's a common sight to see visitors sharing their food with the rodents, a gesture of respect and devotion.
Some traditions even consider the prasad that has been partially consumed by the rats to be sacred. This practice highlights the deep-rooted faith and the unusual, yet profound, connection between the devotees, the goddess, and the temple's rodent residents.
Navigating the Temple: Practicalities and Etiquette
While photography is generally permitted, it's important to be mindful and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots that might disturb worshippers or the rats. Capturing the unique atmosphere and the architectural details is encouraged, but always prioritize reverence.
When walking through the temple, move slowly and deliberately. The rats are accustomed to human presence, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidentally stepping on them. The overall experience is one of awe and a unique spiritual encounter.
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