Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
Bikaner, India
- Explore the temple architecture
- Offer prayers to Karni Mata
- Seek blessings from the white rats
- Witness the holy rats
Known for:
Description:
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, near Bikaner, is a unique and fascinating Hindu temple famous for its large population of rats, known as 'kabbas' or 'little children'. These rats are considered sacred and are believed to be reincarnations of Karni Mata and her followers. Visitors come from around the world to witness this unusual sight and receive blessings. Seeing a white rat is considered particularly auspicious. The temple is beautifully adorned with marble carvings and silver gates, creating a visually stunning backdrop for this unusual spiritual experience. Remember to remove your shoes before entering and be mindful of the rats.
History:
Karni Mata, a mystic from the 14th century, is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Durga. Legend says that when the son of one of her storytellers died, she pleaded with Yama, the god of death, to revive him. Yama refused, so Karni Mata declared that from then on, her followers would be reborn as rats until they could be reincarnated as humans again. The temple was built in her honor in the 15th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner and later enhanced in the early 20th century. It continues to be an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those from the Charan caste.