During his visit to Rajasthan’s Bikaner area on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated more than 26,000 crore rupees in development projects for the country and officially opened the renovated Deshnoke railway station. He also visited Deshnoke’s famous Karni Mata shrine.

During the 14th and 16th centuries, Karni Mata, a Hindu goddess of might and victory, resided in Western Rajasthan. She is often shown as a wise warrior. The Charans venerate her as a tutelary goddess, representing power and divine authority. She is also believed to be a manifestation of Hinglaj or Durga.

Known as ‘Kaba,’ the many holy rats at the Karni Mata shrine are said to be incarnations of the goddess. The rats get food and prasad from visitors, and many people think that worshiping them grants them their desires. Below, we’ll examine some fascinating facts about this temple.

Interesting Facts About Karni Mata Temple: No cases of plague or illness have been reported at the Karni Mata Temple, despite the fact that there are hundreds of rats there. The fact that food that the rats have partly eaten is revered highlights the temple’s distinct mystery and the respect that locals and devotees have for the rodents.

Legend has it that the rats in the temple were soldiers who were about to be put to death after fleeing the battlefield. But by letting them live as rats in the shrine, Karni Mata gave them kindness. These rats were regarded as holy and admired because of her generosity.

Lakshman, the son of Karni Mata, is said to have perished after drinking from a well. She pleaded with the God of Death, Yama, to bring him back to life. Lord Yama consented, but only if Karni Mata and her offspring were given a unique holy status by reincarnating as rats.

If a rat is unintentionally killed in the Karni Mata Temple, it must be replaced by a solid gold rat of the same size. This tradition highlights the temple’s unique traditions and ceremonies by showcasing the rats’ hallowed position and the respect with which they are handled.

The Karni Mata temple is home to thousands of rats, and it’s amazing that they remain within rather than going out the main entrance. This enhances the temple’s distinct atmosphere and its cherished rat inhabitants.