Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner, Rajasthan

KARNI MATA TEMPLE

Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

Goddess

Karna Mata is the main deity of this temple, who is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti.

Interesting Facts

Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok.
The first and larger fair is held in March–April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi.
The second fair is held in September–October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.

Best Season To Visit

The best season to visit the temple is Winter season. The best months to visit are November to February.

Weather

Highest - April to June (42°C during day and 27°C during night)Average - August (32°C during the day and 26°C during night)Lowest - December to February (20°C during day and 16°C during night)Monsoon season - June to September

Dress Code

For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.

Do's & Dont's

Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
Do respect ancient customs and co-piligrims while at temple.

Smoking and drinking is prohibited in this temple.
Chewing betel leaves, tobacco, gutka and spitting inside temple is strictly prohibited.

transport connections

Name	Distance	Contact Number
Deshnok Bus Stand	700 MTRS	0141-2205790
Deshnok Railway Station	250 MTRS	139
Jaipur International Airport	375 KM	0141-2550623

Railway Station Name	Distance	Contact Number
Deshnok Railway Station	250 MTRS	139

Airport Name	Distance	Contact Number
Jaipur International Airport	375 KM	0141-2550623

Architecture

The Karni Mata Temple is also known as Temple of Rats. The is home to 20,000 rats all in one place. The present structure of Karni Mata temple was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji of Bikaner. The temple is in Mughal architectural style. The marble front of the temple with solid silver doors look absolutely stunning. As you walk further, there are more silver doors, portraying the several legends, related to Goddess. In the inner sanctum, the idol of the Goddess has been placed. The rats, known as “kabbas” or “little children,” are fed grains, milk, and coconuts shells from large metal bowls. Water the rats drink from is considered holy, and eating the rats’ leftovers is said to bring good fortune to those making the pilgrimage to the temple.

Religious Significance

Legend has it that Laxman, son of Karni mata, drowned in a pond in Kapil Sarovar in Kolayat Tehsil while he was attempting to drink from it. Karni Mata implored Yama, the god of death, to revive him. First refusing, Yama eventually relented, permitting Laxman and all of Karni Mata's male children to be reincarnated as rats.

There is another local folklore being the presence of rats in Karni Mata temple. This story states that around 20,000 soldiers deserted a battle and came to Deshnok to save themselves. When Karni Mata came to know about their sin of deserting their work, she got extremely angry. However, later, she spared their lives and offered them a stay in the temple in the form of rats. They happily agreed with gratitude.

History

Karni Mata Temple was built in 14th Century, Later in the year 1999 additions were made to the temple by the owner of Hyderabad-based Karni Jewelers, Kundanlal Verma. He donated the beautiful marble carvings and silver gates to the temple.

Temple Timings

Day	Timings
All Days	05:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tours

Airports

Airport Name	Distance
Shamshabad	40 KM
Lorem Ipsum	12 KM

Railway Stations

Railway Station Name	Distance
Secunderabad	10 KM
Nampally	12 KM
Begumpet	6 KM
Lingampally	20 KM

Bus Stations

Bus Station Name	Distance
MGBS	35 KM
CBS	28 KM
kukatpally	20 KM
Lingampally	30 KM
Uppal	35 KM

Private Transports

Transport Name	Distance	Contact Number
Private Transport	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757