Karni Mata Temple: India’s Most Famous Rat Temple

By Archisha Yadav | September 11, 2024

Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, just 30 km from Bikaner, in the heart of the golden Thar Desert.

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Where It Is

The temple honours Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Durga. Legend says she reincarnated her stepson and his descendants as rats.

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Divine Story

The temple is home to thousands of rats, called "kabbas" or "little children," who are considered sacred and believed to be Karni Mata’s family.

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Temple Residents

Pilgrims travel from afar to feed and worship the temple’s rats, seeing them as blessed manifestations of the goddess’s lineage.

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Worship and Feed

The temple boasts traditional Rajasthani architecture, with intricate marble carvings and silver doors depicting various deities and mythological figures.

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Architecture

Inside, the richly decorated idol of Karni Mata stands, adorned in embroidered silk garments and jewellery, a focal point for devotees.

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Idol of Karni Mata

Spotting a rare white rat among the thousands is considered highly auspicious, bringing blessings to those fortunate enough to see one.

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Spotting the White Rat

Karni Mata Temple, with its sacred rats and deep-rooted legend, offers a unique spiritual experience, drawing visitors from across the globe.

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A Unique Pilgrimage