Karni Mata temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in India and is in Deshnoke, a small town in Bikaner district, which is approximately 30 Kilometers away from Bikaner city. The devotees travel from all across the country to seek blessings, while curiosity attracts tourists from the world to visit Karni Mata temple Bikaner.
History of Karni Mata Temple
The legends go back to the 1400s when Laxman, one of the sons of Karni Mata, was drowned in a lake in Kapil Sarovar. Karni Mata begged Yamaraj (the lord of death) to revive him. After refusing it at first, Yamaraj allowed Laxman and all the male children of Karni Mata to reborn as rats. The Karni Mata temple Bikaner was constructed in the 19th century to honor Karni Mata and her reborn children.
There is another story that states that once upon a time, there were 20,000. When abandoned in a battle, they came to Deshnoke for food and shelter. When Karni Mata got to know about their sins, she decided to give them death punishment. However, after hearing their plea, Mata turned them and into rats and spared their lives. In return, the soldiers promised her that they will remain her servants forever.
Points of Attractions
The temple is a beautiful marble facade built in Mughal style. Maharaja Ganga Singh made the temple doors with Silver. You will see several silver doors with panels depicting the stories of Karni Mata. In the inner sanctum, the holy shrine of Karni Mata is placed.
In 1999, Kundanlal Verma, a Hyderabad based jeweler donated the silver rats and marble carvings and decorated the temple.
However, the main point that makes it one of the famous places to visit in bikaner, is approximately 25,000 black rats that live and are revered in the temple. People believe that if someone kills a rat, the person has to donate a silver rat.
When to visit
The temple is open for everyone from 6 AM to 10 PM everyday. You can also plan to visit during fairs held in Navratras.
