Where is Karni Mata Temple Located in India?

The Karni Mata Temple is one of the most unique and fascinating temples in India. Known for its holy rats and deep spiritual importance, it attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The temple in connected to many interesting stories, customs and beliefs that make it truly special. It is a sacred place where tradition, faith and culture come together in a very unusual way.

Location of Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata Temple is in the town of Deshnoke, about 30 kilometers south of Bikaner, in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the most famous temples in the country, especially known for the thousands of rats that live inside.

Who is Karni Mata?

Karni Mata was a Hindu woman saint, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga (Shakti). She lived a simple and spiritual life and is worshipped by many people, especially the Charan community. She remained celibate and gave her husband permission to marry her younger sister to continue his family line.

The Story Behind the Temple

Karni Mata’s stepson Lakshman once drowned in a pond. Her younger sister asked Karni Maat to bring him back. Karni Mata went to Yamraj (the god of death) and requested his life back. She also said that her family would not go to Yamraj anymore. Instead, they would be reborn as rats (called Kaba) and live in the temple with her.

These rats are believed to be the reborn souls of Charan people and when the rats die, they are again born as humans in the same community.

Why is it Called the Temple of Rats?

Inside the temple, there are around 20,000 rats, known as Kaba. These rats are not harmed. In fact, they are respected, loved and fed by the temple staff and visitors. People believe that feeding the rats brings good luck and blessings.

Special White Rats

Among the thousands of black and brown rats, there are a few white rats. These white rats are believed to be Karni Mata herself and her four sons. Seeing them is considered very lucky and holy.

Daily Life in the Temple

The temple opens at 04:00 AM everyday. Special prayers and food offerings (like milk, sweets, grains) are made for the rats. People come from all over India and the world to see the rats, get blessings and even eat food touched by the rats, which is thought to be very sacred.

Temple and Management and Rituals

The temple is managed by Shri Karani Mandir Nij Pranyas, a trust. The temple has a head priest called Baridari, who comes from the family line of Karni Mata. Only he is allowed to enter the innermost part of the temple where the main idol (murti) of Karni Mata is kept.

Beautiful Temple Design

The current temple was built in the early 1990s by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. It is made in Rajput style and has beautiful white marble carvings and silver doors that show stories of Karni Mata’s life.