Location Deshnok, Bikaner
Dedicated to Karni Mata (reincarnation of Goddess Durga)
How to Reach The nearest airport, railhead as well as road network is that of Bikaner.
Dedicated to Karni Mata (reincarnation of Goddess Durga)
How to Reach The nearest airport, railhead as well as road network is that of Bikaner.
Karni Mata temple, Deshnok is situated 30 km from Bikaner. The temple is dedicated to an early 15th century mystic, considered to be a reincarnation of Goddess Durga.
Ganga Singh, the former ruler of Bikaner, got the temple constructed totally of marble. Karni Mata temple, Rajasthan has silver and gold domes. Even the mandap and the panels above the image are made up of gold. The main gate of the Deshnok Rat temple, Bikaner has been intricately worked upon.
The Rat Temple is also called ‘Karni Mata’, named after a woman, who was born in the 14th century. She was an incarnation of Durga, the goddess of power and victory. During her lifetime she performed many miracles.
When one of her clansmen died and she was unable to bring him back to life and she asked Yama, the god of death to bring him back to life. Yama could not because the clansman had already been reincarnated.
The Karni Mata temple is thronged not only by the Rajasthanis. Rather, devotees from all over India and even abroad pay a visit to the temple. At the time of Navaratri, a fair is held at the temple. Devotees from places far and wide flock to the temple at that time, some even on foot. Day by day, the faith in Karni Mata is increasing, attracting more and more devotees to the place. Whenever the wishes of the devotees get fulfilled, they offer silver and gold to the goddess at the temple.
It is regarded auspicious, if a rat (kaba) runs across one’s feet. Even, a glimpse of kaba (white rat) is considered promising and fruitful. Twice a year, a festival is celebrated in the honor of Karni Mata. A grand fair is organized during this time and people come here to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Temple is covered with net as safety for rats from eagle.
Rats playing on gate.
Rats roaming
Out of all of the thousands of rats in the temple, there are a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. They are believed to be the manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four sons. Sighting them is a special blessing and visitors put in extensive efforts to bring them forth, offering prasad, a sweet holy food.
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