The Karni Mata Temple, located in the small town of Deshnok in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered female Hindu sage. The temple is also known as the "Rat Temple" due to the presence of thousands of rats that are worshipped as sacred beings. Devotees from all over the country come to seek blessings at this unique temple.
The Karni Mata Temple is a stunning example of Rajput architecture with intricate marble carvings, beautiful frescoes, and ornate designs. The temple has a huge silver gate, which leads to the inner sanctum where the idol of Karni Mata is worshipped. The inner sanctum is adorned with silver and gold decorations, adding to the grandeur of the temple.
The Karni Mata Temple was built in the 15th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The legend has it that Karni Mata, a mystic who was believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, had miraculous powers and could bring the dead back to life. When her youngest son Laxman drowned, she appealed to Yama, the God of death, to revive him. When Yama refused, Karni Mata transformed Laxman and all of her male descendants into rats so they could remain in her service forever.
The best time to visit the Karni Mata Temple is during the festival of Navratri, which is celebrated with great fervor in the months of September-October. Thousands of devotees throng to the temple during this time to seek blessings of Karni Mata. Another good time to visit is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
The Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnok, which is around 30 kilometers from Bikaner city. The nearest airport is in Jodhpur, which is around 250 kilometers away. The temple can be easily reached by road from Bikaner as there are regular bus services and taxis available. The nearest railway station is in Bikaner, which is well-connected to major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Jodhpur.
The Karni Mata Temple holds great significance for the people of Rajasthan as Karni Mata is believed to be the presiding deity of the state. The temple is a symbol of faith and devotion for the devotees who come here seeking blessings for their well-being and prosperity. The presence of rats in the temple is considered auspicious and it is believed that seeing a white rat is a sign of good luck.
