Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) Deshnok, located in Deshnok near Bikaner, is one of the most unique and famous temples in India. Popularly known as the Rat Temple of India, it is dedicated to Karni Mata, a 14th-century Hindu saint believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
This temple is globally known for its unusual residents—over 25,000 sacred rats, called kabbas, which freely live inside the temple premises. Devotees consider these rats holy and believe they are the reincarnated followers of Karni Mata. Feeding and protecting them is considered a religious blessing.
One of the most fascinating sights in the temple is the presence of rare white rats, which are considered extremely auspicious. Spotting them is believed to bring good luck and divine blessings.
The temple’s architecture is another attraction, featuring beautiful marble work, intricate carvings, and grand silver gates donated by the Bikaner royal family. Despite thousands of rats living inside, the temple remains clean and well-maintained due to strict devotion and discipline followed by visitors.
According to legend, Karni Mata once asked Yama, the god of death, to revive a deceased child of her devotee. When denied, she declared that her followers would be reborn as rats in the temple and later return to human life. This belief forms the foundation of the temple’s unique tradition.
The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. The temple is easily accessible from Bikaner, just 30 km away.
The history of the Karni Mata Temple dates back to the 14th century. Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, was a revered female saint who lived in Rajasthan. She was known for her divine powers, miracles, and deep compassion for people.
According to legend, one of Karni Mata’s followers drowned in a pond. When she requested Yama, the god of death, to bring him back to life, he refused. In response, Karni Mata declared that all her male devotees would be reborn as rats in her temple and later reincarnated as humans.
This myth became the foundation of the temple’s sacred rat population. Over time, the temple evolved into a major pilgrimage site, especially for devotees of Karni Mata from the Charan community.
The present temple structure was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century, featuring stunning marble architecture and intricate silver doors.
You need to enter the temple through a wide and tall gateway. The walls of the gateway have prevailed with stucco craftsmanship. At the facade of the gateway, there are marble sculptures of two lions sitting on a white marble rectangular stage which is also ornate with carvings of floral and arabesque designs. The gateways transform into a pink wall as it stretches on both sides of the temple and encloses it. Even the brackets and the archways have detailed carvings. The theme of the carvings is mainly arabesque and floral patterns complimenting the illustrations of animals and goddesses.
Beyond the gate is a courtyard with several complexes within while the temple is situated in the centre of the courtyard. Another gateway leads to a small veranda that is varnished with black and white marble slabs that mirror the image of a chessboard. The courtyard is enclosed by an open gallery on one side that is supported by numerous columns. The pillars also have been carved with floral patterns.
The significant edifices of the premises like the archways, the columns and the temple are built from marble stone whereas the doors are made from silver. The room is situated opposite the doorway where resides the idol of the goddess of the temple. The altar is enveloped by a silver archway filled with stucco illustrations and sculptures made from metals like gold and silver of the goddess that protrude from the walls.
These finely carved and detailed illustrations on every archway and bracket of the temple along with the stucco craftsmanship showcase the efforts put on by the workers while building the temple.
Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) Deshnok
Timing Of Karni Mata Temple
All seven days of the week, the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner is available to visitors. This temple in Deshnok is open daily from 4 am to 10 pm.
These times are subject to vary, however, on exceptional occasions. No admission money is required to visit the museum, and photography is permitted.
Location Of Karni Mata Temple
If you’re curious about the exact location, it’s Karni Mata Niji Pranyas on NH 89 in Deshnok, Rajasthan 334801.
You may visit temples such as Temde Rai Mata, Vishwakarma, and Om Banna when you visit Karni Mata Mandir. In addition, you may sample some of the best Rajasthani cuisines at local restaurants.
Junagarh Fort: This historical fort in Bikaner is a must-visit for its impressive architecture and rich history. The fort, with its beautiful interiors and imposing structure, provides insight into the royal heritage of Rajasthan.
Lalgarh Palace: Another architectural marvel in Bikaner, Lalgarh Palace is known for its blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. The palace also houses a museum displaying the rich history of Bikaner.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: Located on the banks of Gajner Lake, this sanctuary is home to various species of flora and fauna. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Bikaner Camel Research Centre: This unique research center offers insights into the breeding and management of camels, which are an integral part of Rajasthan’s culture and economy.
Rampuria Haveli: Famous for its exquisite architecture and ornate interiors, Rampuria Haveli in Bikaner is a series of mansions showcasing the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy merchants of the past.
National Research Centre on Camel: An interesting place to learn about the different breeds of camels and their role in the desert ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy camel rides and taste camel milk products.
Devi Kund Sagar: This is a royal crematorium with several ornate cenotaphs, showcasing Rajput architecture and the history of Bikaner’s royal families.
Prachina Museum: Located in Bikaner, this museum displays a rich collection of royal costumes, textiles, and accessories, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
How To Reach Karni Mata Temple?
Reaching the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, Rajasthan, involves a journey of about 30 kilometers from the city of Bikaner. There are several ways to get there:
By Road:
Private Vehicle/Taxi: The most convenient way to reach Karni Mata Temple is by hiring a taxi or driving a private vehicle from Bikaner. The drive is quite straightforward and takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Bus: Regular bus services are available from Bikaner to Deshnoke. Buses depart from Bikaner bus station and drop passengers near the temple. This is a more economical option compared to taxis but might take slightly longer.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to the temple is Bikaner Junction, located around 16 km away. From the railway station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.
