Karni Mata Temple
Folktale & Sacred Story
According to the temple's own tradition, Karni Mata's young stepson Lakshman drowned in Kapil Sarovar near Kolayat while bathing. When her sister begged for his life, Karni Mata confronted Yama, the god of death, demanding his return. Yama refused on the grounds that it would break the law of rebirth, so Karni Mata declared that her family would never again pass through his realm -- instead, when they died they would be reborn as kabbas (sacred rats) and live with her, and when the rats died they would be reborn as humans of her Charan lineage. This is why thousands of black rats live freely within the temple today, and why the rare white rats seen among them are venerated as manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her kin.
Most Revered Practice
The temple opens at around 4:00 AM for Mangla Aarti, when priests of the Depavat Charan lineage offer bhog to the goddess before the doors open to the public. Devotees feed the resident kabbas milk, grains and sweets as an act of worship, and temple custom holds that if a rat is accidentally killed it must be replaced with one cast in silver or gold. Twice a year, during the Navratras of Chaitra and Ashwin, the Karni Mata Fair draws large crowds, including a long parikrama walk around the sacred land Karni Mata is said to have established.
Prasadam & Offerings
Food already nibbled on by the temple's sacred rats -- including sweets, milk and grains offered to the goddess -- is considered prasad of the highest order, and eating it is regarded by devotees as a mark of great fortune; standard temple sweets and bhog are also distributed to visitors.
Temple Speciality
The temple is internationally known as the 'Temple of Rats,' home to thousands of kabbas that move freely through the sanctum and are treated as kin by the Charan caretakers. Its present white-marble facade with solid silver doors was completed in the early 20th century under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, and the temple has featured in international documentaries and travel coverage for its unique living tradition.
Why Pilgrims Visit
Visitors come both as devotees of Karni Mata -- revered as an incarnation of Durga and Kuldevi of the Rajput royal houses of Bikaner and Jodhpur -- and as curious travellers drawn by the extraordinary sight of thousands of rats coexisting peacefully with worshippers. Spotting one of the rare white rats is considered an especially auspicious blessing.
History & Legend
Built in the early 20th century in marble and silver, on a site associated with the 15th-century mystic Karni Mata, revered as an incarnation of the goddess by the Bikaner royal family, her ancestral devotees.
Divine Significance
World-famous as the 'Temple of Rats', where thousands of kabbas (considered reincarnated devotees) are fed and protected as sacred within the sanctum.
Darshan Timings
The temple opens to the public at approximately 4:00 a.m. for Mangla Aarti, with general darshan typically available from around 5:00 a.m. to 9:00-10:00 p.m. (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).
How To Reach
Nearest airport: Bikaner (Nal Airport). Nearest railway station: Deshnoke, adjacent to the temple.
Where To Stay
Hotels and heritage havelis in Bikaner city, about 30 km away.
Local Food Nearby
Bikaner, about 30 km away, is famous for Bikaneri Bhujia and Bikaneri Rasgulla, along with regional specialties like dal baati churma; simple vegetarian eateries also operate in Deshnoke town near the temple.
Contact & Official Info
Contact the temple trust via Rajasthan Tourism.
Recommended Reading
Want to go deeper? Explore books on Karni Mata (an incarnation of Durga) Rajasthan on Amazon (affiliate link — Laksshmi may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).
Browse books on Karni Mata (an incarnation of Durga) Rajasthan →