Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner | History, Timings & Best time to visit
The 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple, also called the Nari Mata Temple or the “Rat Temple,” is situated in the Rajasthani village of Deshnoke, about 30 kilometres from Bikaner. The fact that 25,000 black rats reside and are venerated within this temple makes it special. They actually eat what is called ‘prasad’, which is regarded as holy food.
People from all over the world travel long distances to visit the temple and pay their respects to these sacred rats, known as kabbas. Numerous tales and legends are associated with the temple and the rats that live here, but no one knows the exact history of this unique shrine.
Another notable aspect of the Karni Mata Temple is its architecture, which draws inspiration from the Mughal building style. The magnificent marble facade and marble decorations that adorn the lovely shrine further enhance its allure. Although some people may find the entire idea of this temple repulsive or strange, it is a singular experience that you should not pass up.
Karni Mata Temple, A Temple With 20,000+ Rats
The main character’s visit to the Rajasthani rat temple in the recent film “I Am Kalam” inspired me to offer this fascinating tale of yet another unusual Indian temple: the Karni Mata temple in Rajasthan, also referred to as the “Temple of Rats.”
Indeed, there is a shrine with almost 20,000 rats in the Rajasthani town of Deshnok, which is close to Bikaner. Inside the temple, rats are greatly revered by the inhabitants, and killing one by accident is seen as a grave sin. However, the rats outside the shrine are just obnoxious bugs as soon as you leave!
History & Legends Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner
When it comes to the history of the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, there are various accounts. According to the most widely accepted legend, Karni Mata’s stepson Laxman perished in Kapil Sarovar once while attempting to sip water from it. Karni Mata begged Yama, the god of death, to bring her son back to life after learning of this tragedy. After initially refusing her request, the god of death eventually acceded and let Laxman and all of Karni Mata’s sons to reincarnate as rats.
Rats at Karni Mata Mandir are the subject of another well-known folktale. According to this tradition, about 20,000 men once chose to leave a battle and went back to Deshnok to avoid death. Upon learning of this deed, which was a transgression of neglecting their duty, Karni Mata became enraged and desired to execute them as punishment. She later changed her mind and chose to spare their lives, but not before transforming the army into rats. After their lives were spared, the troops showed gratitude to Karni Mata and pledged to always serve her.
The presence of rats at the Karni Mata Temple has long been a topic of discussion because of the potential for diseases like the plague to spread, but nothing significant has transpired as of yet. A silver rat is used in place of the dead rat in the temple. To feed these rats, devotees who come to this temple give them milk and prasad.
Architecture of Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner
The magnificent temple is an example of Mughal architecture. Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji of Bikaner ordered the current structure of this sacred temple to be built, and it was finished in the early 1900s.
A remarkable marble facade with elaborate carvings in front of the Karni Mata Temple showcases the artistic talent of the era’s painters. The solid silver doors, which look magnificent, further add to the facade’s splendour. As you enter, you see more of these doors, which represent various myths connected to the Goddess. In the inner sanctum of this temple, where visitors go to have a sight of the heavenly deity and ask for her blessings, is the idol of Karni Mata.
Worship at Karni Mata Temple
In the worship of Karni Mata, the main priest opens the temple at 4 am to perform Mangla Aarti and then serve special cuisine called bhog. Following this ceremony, devotees and guests can give the rats milk and prasad, which are considered to be very auspicious.
Two types of offerings are made at the temple: “Kalash-bhent,” which is utilised for the upkeep and development of this shrine, and “Dwar-bhent,” which is intended for priests and staff.
Fair & Festivals at Karni Mata Temple
Twice a year, the Karni Mata Temple hosts fairs. The first is during Navaratri in March or April, which is celebrated from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi according to the panchangam. The second fair is once more held from Ashwin Shukla Paksha Prathma to Ashwin Shukla Paksha Dashmi during Navaratri in September or October. Devotees visit Karni Mata Temple in greater numbers throughout different seasons of the year. In addition, Rajputs bring their kids to this temple to seek the goddess’ blessings for customs like Jadula, the child’s first haircut.
Timings : 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Time Required : 1 to 2 hours
Entry Fee : No Entry Fee
Constructed By : Maharaja Ganga Singh
Constructed in : 15th century
Photography : Allowed
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