Have you heard about a temple where rats are on the loose, and nobody tries to chase them away? Be prepared to meet the Karni Mata Temple, Visit Bikaner’s Most Unusual Temple. A city in the Rajasthan province in India. The temple is one of the strangest and most awesome places you can visit! So, check out Rajasthan tour packages for your next Rajasthan Trip.
Here, in this temple, thousands of living rats reside, and more, people love them! These rats never thought of as being dirty and scary. Instead, treated like valued guests. Let us discover why this is such a unique place, and how these small furry creatures came to mean so much.
Sacred Tails: The Real Residents of Karni Mata Temple.
The moment you enter the Karni Mata Temple, rats occupy every nook and corner!
- They are scurrying on the floor, climbing the walls, and lounging around the temple steps.
- Don’t panic, though, the residents here do not fear them one bit. They feed them sweets, grains, and even bowls of milk.
- There are many Things to Know About Rajasthan and one of it is about Karni Mata Temple.
- People from all across the globe and from India visit these rats. Some amazed, some curious, and many impressed and have a good time. The rats, so adored like they are one’s own family members.
Karni Mata Temple Timings
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, near Bikaner, Rajasthan, is open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The day begins with the Mangla Aarti performed by the temple priests at 4:00 AM, followed by the offering of bhog (sacred food) to the deity. The temple remains accessible to devotees and visitors until 10:00 PM each night.
Karni Mata temple is renowned for its unique population of approximately 25,000 sacred rats, known as kabbas, which are revered by devotees. Spotting a white rat among them is considered especially auspicious.
Karni Mata Temple: Visit Bikaner’s Most Unusual Temple
The Rajasthan Places have various stories. The temple derives its name from Karni Mata, a kind and powerful goddess centuries ago.
- She was believed to have had additional powers and was regarded as an incarnation of the goddess Durga.
- There is a famous legend surrounding her. Her son had previously died, and she was trying to bring him back to life.
- The god of death did not give his permission. Karni Mata promised that her relatives and devotees would come back as rats before being born again as human beings.
- That’s why the rats in the temple are treated so well. Individuals treat them as holy souls in another form.
Faith Served Fresh: Feeding as a Form of Worship.
Explore Bikaner Places and experience the best of Rajasthan. This temple is usual for most of the temples in Bikaner to offer food to gods. But here, the humans offer food to the rats! They offer milk, sweets, and grains and place them in bowls. If a rat accepts food from your hand, it’s extremely lucky! And if you ever get to see a white rat (they are extremely rare), that’s even more special – it indicates the goddess is bestowing blessings on you.
The rats never get fearful. They may enter and exit wherever they please – even in prayer rooms. Individuals sit and quietly watch them. Some even take photos! It’s a sanctuary where rats and people peacefully coexist.
Beauty in the Unlikely: Inside Karni Mata Temple
While the rats are the actual stars here, the temple itself is rather lovely and decorated.
- The floors are made of marble, and the gates are shiny silver. Carvings and designs seen that represent stories of days gone by.
- Inside the temple, there are also small areas for other gods. People come to pray, sing, and offer flowers, just like in any other temple.
- So, visit to Bikaner, even if you’re not there for the rats, you’ll still enjoy the lovely and peaceful feeling of the place.
- People also book a customized package to Rajasthan which includes Jaipur. So you can check out 2 Days Jaipur Tour Package from Delhi.
More Than a Temple: A Pillar for the People.
The Karni Mata Temple helps the rats, and people, too! With so many tourists coming to the temple, there are even more jobs for the town families. There are shops, guides, and food stalls all earning money thanks to the tourists.
The town people take a lot of pride in their temple. They keep it up and share their stories with visitors. It brings together all the people as if it were one big, happy family. Explore Rajasthan Tour Packages for your next trip.
Respecting the Rats: The Story Behind the Belief.
People might find worshipping rats weird. Nonetheless, in India, there are many animals that are believed to be close to gods. The rats in Karni Mata Temple are not animals – they are blessings.
This temple teaches us something special: every living creature deserves love and respect. Even the tiniest rat has a place in the world. It shows us how faith can be kind, thoughtful, and full of surprises.
The History Of Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple, located in Deshnok, near Bikaner, Rajasthan, is one of India’s most unique and revered temples. It is dedicated to Karni Mata, a 14th-century female sage believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga.
According to legend, Karni Mata miraculously brought back a child from the dead. When Yama, the god of death, refused to return the child’s soul, she granted him a new life in the form of a rat. Since then, her devotees believe that after death, they are reincarnated as rats and eventually born again as humans.
The temple was originally built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, using stunning white marble and silver gates. It is famous for housing over 25,000 sacred rats, called kabbas, which are considered holy and are protected by the temple. Spotting a white rat among them is seen as especially auspicious.The Karni Mata Temple stands not only as a religious shrine but also as a symbol of faith, folklore, and devotion, attracting thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year.
Conclusion
The Karni Mata Temple is perhaps India’s strangest and most unforgettable place. It has its friendly rats, amazing stories, and beautiful artistry to suggest that various beliefs can be rich in meaning and love.
Regardless if you’re an animal enthusiast, a student of life, or simply one who wants to see something amazing, this temple is something you will not be soon forgetting. It reminds us all that even the strangest traditions can be lessons in kindness, faith, and the miracle of life.
Also check out:
- 3 Days Jodhpur Tour Package from Delhi
- Udaipur Tour Package from Delhi
- Bikaner Places
- Jaipur Places, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple: A Sacred Journey
- Jodhpur Places
The Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnok, a small town about 30 kilometers from Bikaner, in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is easily accessible by road and is a popular pilgrimage site known for its sacred rats and historical significance.
Karni Mata is famous as a revered Hindu goddess and spiritual leader believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is also renowned for the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, which is home to over 25,000 sacred rats considered holy by devotees. Her miraculous acts and deep devotion have made her a symbol of faith, power, and protection in Rajasthan and beyond.
The Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at the temple in Deshnok, Rajasthan. The main fairs take place during the Navratri festivals, once in March-April (Chaitra Navratri) and again in September-October (Ashwin Navratri). Thousands of devotees visit during these periods to seek blessings and participate in religious rituals and celebrations.
The real name of Karni Mata was Ridhubai. She was born in the Charan caste in 1387 in the village of Suwap in Rajasthan. Later in life, she became known as Karni Mata, revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga and worshipped for her divine powers and miracles.