Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke

1 Temple Overview

The Karni Mata Temple near Bikaner, Rajasthan, dedicated to the 14th-century mystic Karni Mata (worshipped as an incarnation of Durga), is globally famous as the "Temple of Rats," home to approximately 25,000 sacred black rats considered holy by devotees.

Significance: Unique temple where rats are revered as sacred, believed to be reincarnated family members

2 Why Is It Famous?

The temple is globally famous and unique for housing approximately 25,000 black rats (kabbas) considered sacred, believed by devotees to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata's storyteller-clan descendants; visitors are expected to allow rats to walk freely across their feet, and spotting a rare white rat among them is considered an exceptionally auspicious sign.

3 Story and Legends

Legend holds that when Karni Mata's stepson drowned, she pleaded with Yama (death) to restore his life; Yama refused to return him in human form but agreed he and Karni Mata's other male descendants could be reborn as rats within this temple rather than face conventional death, explaining devotees' belief that the temple's rats represent reincarnated family members deserving reverence rather than typical pest status.

4 History

Renovations: The temple has been continuously maintained and expanded by the Bikaner royal lineage and devotee community, preserving its unique character centered on the sacred rat population.

6 Architecture

The temple features traditional Rajasthani architectural elements with marble flooring and silver doors, designed with specific provisions allowing the resident rat population to move freely throughout the complex including near food and milk offerings.

7 Main Deity Information

Karni Mata, a historical 14th-15th century mystic woman, is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga, with her temple's defining feature being the sacred rat population rather than conventional idol worship alone.

8 Festivals and Celebrations

Two major fairs are held annually (around March-April and September-October) drawing significant devotee crowds for special celebrations honoring Karni Mata.

9 Best Time to Visit

October to March for comfortable Rajasthan desert weather.

Bikaner region has extremely hot summers (April-June, often exceeding 45°C) and pleasant winters (October-February).

10 Darshan and Temple Timings

Aarti Schedule: Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM | Evening Aarti: dusk

11 Pujas and Rituals

Offering food (particularly milk and sweets) to the temple's rats is considered an act of devotion equivalent to honoring deceased ancestors, with food touched or nibbled by the rats considered especially blessed (prasad).

12 How to Reach

13 Accommodation

Range of hotels and heritage properties available in nearby Bikaner city.

14 Food and Prasadam

Food that has been nibbled or touched by the temple's rats is considered sacred prasad, an unusual but central part of this temple's devotional practice.

15 Entry Fees and Costs

Free entry; visitors must remove footwear and walk barefoot throughout the temple, including in areas where rats are present.

16 Rules and Dress Code

Modest attire recommended; visitors should be mentally prepared for close proximity to the resident rat population as an integral part of the temple experience.

17 Nearby Attractions

Bikaner Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner's historic old city.

18 Interesting Facts

Spotting one of the rare white rats among the temple's population is considered an exceptionally auspicious sign, sometimes drawing specific pilgrimage visits hoping for this sighting. The temple maintains the rat population deliberately, with dedicated feeding and care as an essential aspect of temple management.

19 Visitor Tips

Approach with an open mind given the temple's unique character — walking barefoot among the rats is an expected and integral part of the devotional experience here, not something to be feared or avoided by genuine pilgrims. Watch for the rare white rat as a particularly auspicious sighting.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

21 Quick Summary

22 Ratings