Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke - Shri Shvetambar Jain Mandir in front of mighty Pavagadh Hills.
1 / 10

Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke

4.7
·32k reviews·Deshnok, India

A unique Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India, revered for its thousands of sacred rats, believed to be reincarnated devotees.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke - Shri Shvetambar Jain Mandir in front of mighty Pavagadh Hills.

Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India, revered for its thousands of sacred rats, believed to be reincarnated devotees. TikTokInstagram

4.7
(32k reviews)

"A truly unique and fascinating temple! Dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, this place is famous for its thousands of holy rats. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👣 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 32,829 reviews

Type

Hindu Temple

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sacred Rats

The Sacred Rats

Thousands of 'kaaba' (rats) roam freely, considered divine reincarnations. Spotting a rare white rat is believed to be highly auspicious.

TikTokInstagram
Intricate Marble Architecture

Intricate Marble Architecture

Marvel at the detailed marble work and the stunning silver-inlaid gates, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Reddit
The Goddess Karni Mata Shrine

The Goddess Karni Mata Shrine

Pay homage to Karni Mata, a 14th-century saint revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unusual

Prepare for a unique spiritual experience at the Karni Mata Temple, home to thousands of sacred rats. Locals believe these rodents are reincarnated devotees. While unusual, the atmosphere is deeply spiritual and the temple architecture is stunning. TikTokInstagram

Timing is Key

Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and the desert heat. Weekdays generally have fewer visitors than weekends or during festivals. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late evening
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

‼️Invia questo video ad una persona che non metterebbe mai piede qui dentro 🤣 🌏Ci troviamo al Karni Mata Temple a Bikaner, India. 🏛️Questo tempio è unico in tutto il mondo perché ospita 25000 topi che vengono considerati sacri perché si ritiene siano la reincarnazione degli abitanti del villaggio, della divinità Karni Mata e dei suoi figli. 🫣Fun fact? I topi non lasciano mai il tempio ed infatti...
@lucafreetravel
316.4K likes • 7.1M views

👣 Walk Carefully!

Rats are everywhere, so watch your step. They are harmless but can be quick! TikTokReddit

🥛 Offerings & Prasad

You can buy prasad (offerings) to feed the rats. Some believe eating the rats' leftover prasad is sacred. Reddit

Más escenas en YouTube @NobikDil | Templo de Karni Mata (Templo de las Ratas)🐀 #karnimata #ratas #templo #india
@nobikdil
11.8K likes • 721.2K views
Unique Temple of India 🙏🏻😇 The temple is famous for its unique population of thousands of black rats, considered sacred and believed to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata’s devotees. According to legend, when a child from her clan died, Karni Mata asked Yama, the god of death, to restore his life; when he refused, she reincarnated her clan into rats, granting them rebirth as humans after dea...
foodiekru
245.5K likes • 6M views

🚫 No Leather Allowed

Remove leather items before entering, as they are considered impure. TikTok

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the unique sights, but be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots. TikTok

जय जय माँ करणी 😍 . . . . . Follow for more @karni_mata_deshnok_ . . . . . #karnimata #karnimatatemple #viral #reels #deshnok #bikaner #nokha #maa #reelsinstagram #deshnoke
karni_mata_deshnok_
26.3K likes • 516.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👣 Walk Carefully!

Rats are everywhere, so watch your step. They are harmless but can be quick! TikTokReddit

🥛 Offerings & Prasad

You can buy prasad (offerings) to feed the rats. Some believe eating the rats' leftover prasad is sacred. Reddit

🚫 No Leather Allowed

Remove leather items before entering, as they are considered impure. TikTok

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the unique sights, but be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots. TikTok

💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the temple. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(32k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Unique spiritual experience
Beautiful architecture
Sacred rats

What People Dislike

Initial rat apprehension
Limited food options nearby

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to the temple. There is parking available in front of the temple gate. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Karni Mata Temple is free. However, donations are gratefully accepted to support the temple's upkeep. Reddit

The temple is open daily from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm, allowing ample time for visitors to experience its unique atmosphere. Reddit

The Mangala Aarti is performed at 4:30 am, and the Sandhya Aarti takes place at 7:00 pm. These are significant prayer ceremonies. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram

The rats are considered holy and are generally harmless. However, it's wise to be cautious and watch your step as they move quickly. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can purchase prasad (offerings) from shops outside the temple to feed the rats. This is a common practice among devotees. Reddit

Absolutely! Seeing a white rat is considered highly auspicious, as they are believed to be incarnations of Karni Mata herself. Reddit

The grand gates of the temple are intricately decorated with silver inlays, adding to its architectural splendor and spiritual significance. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

You'll find local snacks, sweets, and prasad for the rats. For a wider variety of food, Bikaner offers more choices. Reddit

Some devotees consider the prasad eaten by rats to be sacred and will partake in it. It's a matter of personal belief. Reddit

No, there are no restaurants inside the temple complex. Food options are primarily outside the temple or in Bikaner. Reddit

Bikaner is known for its sweets and snacks like 'Ghevar' and 'Bhujia'. Exploring the old city area can lead to hidden culinary gems. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots. Some areas might have restrictions. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, taking photos of the rats is a major part of the experience. Just ensure you do so respectfully and without causing them distress. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2
Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide