Indian Temples : Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan , India - Highlights

 


Karni Mata Temple, located in Deshnoke, a small town near Bikaner, Rajasthan, is one of the most unique and revered temples in India. Dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered female mystic and incarnation of Goddess Durga, the temple is famously known as the “Temple of Rats” because of the thousands of holy rats, known as kabbas, that freely roam the premises. Devotees from across India and abroad visit this shrine to seek blessings, offer prayers, and witness the extraordinary sight of the temple’s sacred rats, which are regarded as divine manifestations of Karni Mata’s devotees.

History in Detail

Karni Mata, also known as Ridhubai, was a 14th-century mystic and sage born in 1387 CE in Suwap village, Rajasthan. Considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, she spent much of her life serving the poor, guiding rulers, and promoting harmony among communities. Karni Mata blessed the rulers of Bikaner and Jodhpur, and her spiritual influence was instrumental in shaping the region’s history.

The temple was initially commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century, though the worship of Karni Mata dates back centuries. It is believed that Karni Mata blessed her followers with immortality in the form of rats; after death, her devotees were reincarnated as kabbas to remain close to her. This legend explains the sacred status of the rats in the temple.

Significance

The temple holds deep religious and cultural importance:

  • Divine Incarnation: Karni Mata is venerated as a living goddess by the Charan community and is worshipped as a powerful incarnation of Durga.
  • Temple of Rats: Over 25,000 rats live within the temple premises, and devotees feed them sweets and grains as an offering. Spotting a white rat is considered extremely auspicious and believed to bring good fortune.
  • Spiritual Protection: The temple is a symbol of faith for Rajput rulers, with Karni Mata considered the family deity of the Bikaner royal family.
  • Cultural Heritage: The temple is an architectural marvel and a pilgrimage center that showcases Rajasthani devotion and artistry.

Temple Details

  • Architecture: The Karni Mata Temple is built in the Mughal-Rajput style, constructed mainly from white marble. It features intricately carved marble domes, pillars, silver doors, and an ornate façade. The main shrine houses an idol of Karni Mata adorned with a crown and silver ornaments.
  • Sanctum: The sanctum holds Karni Mata’s image, surrounded by offerings, and the floor is home to thousands of rats that are fed daily.
  • Rats’ Sanctuary: Special netting and structures are in place to protect and care for the rats. Devotees walk barefoot within the temple, as stepping on a rat is considered a grave sin.
  • Festivals: The temple comes alive during Navratri (March-April and September-October), when thousands of devotees undertake pilgrimage.

Temple Timings

  • The temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Morning Aarti: Around 4:30 AM, devotees gather for the first prayers.
  • Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM, concluding rituals are performed.

Connectivity

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Nal Airport, Bikaner (approx. 10 km away). Regular flights connect Bikaner to Jaipur and Delhi.
  • By Train: Bikaner Junction is the closest major railway station (approx. 30 km away), well-connected to cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Jodhpur.
  • By Road: Deshnoke is situated on National Highway 11 and is easily accessible by buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
  • Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses are available from Bikaner city to the temple.

Legacy

Karni Mata Temple is not just a place of worship but also a cultural and historical icon of Rajasthan. The temple stands as a testament to unwavering devotion, spiritual mysticism, and architectural beauty. Karni Mata’s legend continues to inspire faith, while the temple’s unique rat population makes it a world-famous pilgrimage site. Over the centuries, it has become a symbol of eternal devotion, protection of life, and harmony between humans and animals, making it one of India’s most extraordinary religious landmarks.



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