Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok (Bikaner)

The temple of Karni Mata at Deshnok, about 30 km from Bikaner, is known all over the world for the thousands of rats that live in the temple and are fed and protected there. For this reason it is often called the Rat Temple.

Karni Mata

Karni Mata was a saint who lived in the 15th century and is worshipped as a form of Goddess Durga. She is the family goddess of the royal houses of Bikaner and Jodhpur, and she is said to have laid the foundation stones of both forts.

The holy rats

The rats are called kabas and are believed to be the reborn family and followers of Karni Mata. Devotees offer them milk, grain and sweets. It is thought lucky if a kaba runs across your feet, and seeing one of the few white rats is considered a special blessing. Food that the rats have tasted is taken as prasad.

The temple

The present building was completed in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. It has a carved marble front and large silver doors with panels showing stories of the goddess.

Fairs

Large fairs are held at Deshnok twice a year, during the Navratri of Chaitra and of Ashwin, when many thousands of pilgrims come, a great number of them on foot.

Visiting

Deshnok has a railway station and is a short drive from Bikaner. Shoes are left outside, as in every temple.