The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok is a Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata, a spiritual figure believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is widely known as the “Rat Temple” because more than 25,000 rats live inside the temple and are considered sacred by devotees.
Karni Mata Temple – Quick Facts
- Location: Deshnok, 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan
- Timings: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Aarti Time: Mangla Aarti at 4:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Famous For: 25,000 sacred rats (kabbas)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Nearest Railway Station: Deshnok (1 km), Bikaner (30 km)
Karni Mata Temple Timings, Aarti Time & Darshan Schedule
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok has open hours from 4am to 10pm every day. The daily Mangla Aarti occurs every morning at 4am. Evening Aarti happens at sunset. Thus, the best time for darshan at the temple is early morning.
- Opening Time: 4:00 AM
- Closing Time: 10:00 PM
- Mangla Aarti: 4:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: Around sunset
Karni Mata Temple Location, Distance from Bikaner
The Karni Mata Temple is in Deshnok, which is about 30 km from Bikaner. It is easy to get to for day trips because it is close to both roads and a train station, which is only 1 km away.
- Bikaner to Temple: about 30 km
- Deshnok Station to Temple: about 1 km
- Jaipur to Temple: about 330 km
How to Reach Karni Mata Temple
You can get to the Karni Mata Temple by car, train, or plane. If you want to get there quickly, take a taxi or bus to Bikaner. If you want to take the train, Deshnok station is the closest place to do so.
- By Road: Taxis and buses from Bikaner take 30–40 minutes
- By Train: Deshnok station is 1 km from the temple
- By Air: Nearest airport: Jodhpur (~250 km)
Best Time to Visit Karni Mata Temple Deshnok
The best time to visit Karni Mata Temple is from October to March when the weather is comfortable, while early morning hours offer fewer crowds and a better darshan experience.
- Ideal Season: October to March
- Avoid: Peak summer afternoons
- Peak Time: Navratri festivals
Rules for Visiting Temple
Visitors must follow specific customs inside the temple, especially due to the presence of thousands of sacred rats.
- Footwear is not allowed inside
- Walking barefoot is mandatory
- Do not harm or disturb the rats
- Maintain cleanliness and respect temple customs
Things to Know Before Visiting Temple
Visitors should prepare for a unique environment where rats move freely throughout the temple premises.
- Carry socks if uncomfortable walking barefoot
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds
- Watch your steps while walking inside
Why Rats Are Worshipped in Karni Mata Temple (Belief & Significance)
Karni Mata Temple has about 25,000 sacred rats, called kabbas. Devotees believe these rats are reborn followers of Karni Mata, who they consider an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
According to legend, Karni Mata declared that her devotees would bypass the cycle of death and be reborn as rats within the temple before returning to human form. Spotting a rare white rat is considered highly auspicious and a sign of blessing.
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.
Rituals and Practices at Karni Mata Temple (Feeding Rats & Offerings)
Devotees offer milk, grains, and sweets to the rats as part of temple rituals, and they treat feeding them as an act of devotion.
- People believe feeding rats brings good luck
- People treat food touched by rats as prasad
- Devotees sit quietly and watch the rats
Architecture and Design of 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.
Local Importance and Tourism Impact
The Karni Mata mandir 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.
History of Karni Mata Temple Deshnok
Karni Mata Temple honors Karni Mata, a 14th-century mystic whom people consider an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner built the current structure in the early 20th century using marble and silver gates.
According to legend, Karni Mata declared that her devotees would be reborn as rats before taking human form again, which explains the presence of thousands of rats inside the temple.
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- 3 Days Jodhpur tour from Delhi
- Udaipur 4 days tour package from Delhi
- Bikaner Places
- Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple
- 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.
The temple is famous for its population of sacred rats, known as kabbas. Devotees believe these rats are reincarnated followers of Karni Mata. Feeding them is considered an act of devotion, and spotting a white rat is believed to bring good luck.
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.
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