Karni Mata Temple
2 min readApr 18, 2023
- The Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Temple of Rats, is a Hindu temple located in Deshnok, Rajasthan, India. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu sage believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
- One of the temple's most unusual features is the presence of thousands of rats, considered sacred and worshipped by devotees. These rats, known as 'kabbas', are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- According to legend, Karni Mata possessed supernatural powers and revived the son of a storyteller, who had died prematurely. In gratitude, the storyteller offered her a temple, which was built by the rulers of Bikaner in the 15th century.
- Made of marble and stone, the temple has intricately carved pillars and walls. The entrance is through a silver gate with intricate designs and carvings. Inside are several small shrines, including the main shrine of Karni Mata, adorned with silver and gold ornaments.
- Devotees offer milk, sweets, and grains to the rats, who are free to roam the temple and considered its protectors. Eating food nibbled on by the rats is believed to bring good luck and cure diseases.
- The temple attracts tourists and devotees from around the world. The rats are protected by law, and harming them is a serious offense. The temple is open year-round, with the best time to visit during the
- The Karni Mata Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and is especially revered by the followers of the Karni Mata sect. The sect is named after the sage and is dedicated to the worship of her.
- The temple has a fascinating history, with many myths and legends associated with it. One of the most popular stories is that when Karni Mata's stepson, Laxman, drowned in a pond, she tried to bring him back to life. When she was unsuccessful, she appealed to Yama, the god of death, who was moved by her devotion and agreed to bring Laxman back to life as a rat.
- The temple is also known for its unique architecture. The facade of the temple is decorated with elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple's interior is equally impressive, with intricately carved pillars and walls adorned with murals and paintings.
- One interesting fact about the Karni Mata Temple is that the rats are not afraid of humans and will often run over visitors' feet. The rats are well-cared for by the temple authorities, who ensure that they are fed and watered regularly.
- The Karni Mata Temple is also an important symbol of religious harmony in India. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors from different religious backgrounds are welcomed with open arms.
