India's religious traditions are known for their unique beliefs and diversity. Behind every temple and pilgrimage site lies a miraculous story or tradition. A similar story is associated with the Karni Mata Temple, located in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan.

This temple is famous worldwide for its unique beliefs. Let's explore the uniqueness of this temple and how to reach it.

Who was Karni Mata?
Karni Mata is considered a 14th-century saint, whom locals believe to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She belonged to the Charan caste and, while living an ascetic life, laid the foundation for the forts of Bikaner and Jodhpur. Karni Mata was renowned for her miracles and blessings and is still worshipped as "Mother."

The Temple's Most Special Feature: Rats
This temple is known worldwide as the Temple of Rats. It is home to approximately 25,000 rats, known locally as Kaaba. These rats roam freely within the temple premises and are considered a form of the Mother Goddess. Most notably, offerings made to the rats are considered extremely sacred. Devotees offer milk and sweets to them with great devotion.

White rats are believed to be particularly sacred, as they are considered incarnations of Karni Mata and her sons. Seeing a white rat is considered a sign of good fortune. Killing a rat, even accidentally, is considered a grave sin, and if one does, the devotee must offer a golden rat in place of the rat as atonement.

The temple performs the ritual of Mangal Aarti and Bhog every morning. The Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year—on the Chaitra and Ashwin Navratris. Thousands of devotees visit these fairs.

The Legend of the Karni Mata Temple
It is said that Karni Mata's step-son, Laxman, died by drowning. The mother prayed to Yamaraj to revive her son. Initially, Yamaraj refused, but later, at Karni Mata's request, he granted the boon that not only Laxman but all his descendants would be reborn as rats. This is why rats hold special significance in this temple.

Temple Architecture
This temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century. The entire building is made of marble and reflects the Mughal style. The silver doors at the entrance are engraved with stories related to the goddess. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Karni Mata with a trident and a crown, flanked by statues of her sisters.

How to Reach Karni Mata Temple?
The temple is located in Deshnok, about 30 kilometers from Bikaner. Bikaner is well connected by rail and road to major cities in Rajasthan.

By Rail: Deshnok Railway Station is very close to the temple, while Bikaner Junction is the main station from where you can reach the temple by taxi or bus.
By Road - Regular buses and taxis are available from Bikaner to Deshnok.
By Air - The nearest airport is Jodhpur, about 250 km from Bikaner. From there, you can reach the temple by train or bus.

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