Karni Mata Temple

Hindu temple · Deshnoke

Karni Mata Temple

Hindu temple · Deshnoke

1

NH 89, Deshnok, Rajasthan 334801, India

Photos

Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null
Karni Mata Temple by null

Highlights

Hindu temple worshipping 20,000+ sacred rodents, a unique site  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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NH 89, Deshnok, Rajasthan 334801, India Get directions

matakarnitemple.com
@karni_mata_deshnok_

Information

Static Map

NH 89, Deshnok, Rajasthan 334801, India Get directions

+91 99284 23674
matakarnitemple.com
@karni_mata_deshnok_

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

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@cntraveler

How Belinda Carlisle and Lisa Borgnes Giramonti 'Go-Go' Around the World Together

"They’re more interested in sites like the Karni Mata Temple, known as the Temple of the Rats, in Bikaner."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-belinda-carlisle-and-lisa-borgnes-giramonti-go-go-around-the-world
View Postcard for Karni Mata Temple

Ravi Lokhande

Google
This is the temple of Mata Karni. This temple is at a walking distance from Deshnok railway station and is at least 30 to 34 kilometers from Bikaner. You can hire a rickshaw or travel car to reach here.You can go here by yourself, you can get a car without a driver to travel here. Many rats can be seen in this temple. It has been heard that rats are first offered prasad in this temple. In this city, Goddess Devi is highly respected, all the people are always happy due to the blessings of this Goddess. Goddess does not allow any trouble to come to the people here.This Devi temple is very famous. The Goddess keeps those who worship this Goddess always happy, healthy and prosperous.

Ashish Raj (dr_ashishraj)

Google
Jai Karni Mata 🙏 A Holy Temple place in Nokha Rajasthan close to Bikaner. Also famous because this area is full of Rats all around. One can see rats roaming all inside the temple area, human friendly rats, are feeded and served to praise the Deity Karni Mata Devi, and the one who has chance to witness White Rate is considered lucky and blessed by Karni Mata. A well architectured heritage temple holding high values in Rajasthan. Well accessible and easy to reach. A must place to visit.

Devisingh Rathore (Deepu)

Google
This temple is home of thousand rats also know as Kaba. Karni Mata is an avatar of Goddess Durga. Best time to visit the temple is evening as it's free from chaos. We request all the devotees not to spread sweets over the floor.

NEM KUMAR KOTHARI

Google
**Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok (Rajasthan)**, based on its unique nature, visitor experiences, cultural significance, and practicalities: ## The Uniqueness (The "Rat Temple") * **Sacred Rats (Kabas):** This is the defining feature. Thousands of black rats (and a few rare white ones) live freely within the temple complex, revered as holy incarnations of Karni Mata's devotees (Charans) and her descendants. Devotees believe feeding them and having them scamper over your feet is extremely auspicious. * **White Rats:** Spotting one of the rare albino rats is considered incredibly lucky. ## Visitor Experiences (Highly Varied) * **Awe & Fascination:** For many, it's a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime cultural and spiritual encounter. Witnessing the devotion and the sheer number of rats in a sacred context is unforgettable. * **Spiritual Atmosphere:** Despite the unusual residents, the temple has a strong devotional atmosphere, especially during prayer times (Aarti). The faith of the pilgrims is palpable. * **Sensory Overload (The Challenge):** Be prepared for: * **Sight:** Rats everywhere - on floors, around food offerings, near water bowls. Some find this overwhelming. * **Touch:** Rats *will* run over your feet if you sit or walk barefoot. You need to be comfortable with this. * **Architectural Beauty:** Beyond the rats, the temple itself is architecturally impressive, featuring intricate marble carvings, beautiful silver doors donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, and ornate pavilions. ## Cultural & Religious Significance * **Dedication:** To Karni Mata, a 14th-century Hindu warrior sage and mystic worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga, revered especially by the Charan community and Rajputs. * **Legend:** The rats are believed to be the reincarnated souls of Charan storytellers (or Karni Mata's step-sons, depending on the legend) whom she granted eternal life in this form. * **Pilgrimage Site:** A major pilgrimage center, particularly for Charans, Rajputs, and locals from Rajasthan and neighboring states. Festivals like Navratri see huge crowds. ## Practicalities for Visitors * **Location:** Deshnok, about 30 km south of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Easily accessible by road (taxi, bus). * **Timings:** Generally open from approx. 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Check locally for specific Aarti times. * **Entry:** Free * **Etiquette & Rules:** * **Remove Footwear:** Mandatory before entering the main temple complex (leave outside or at designated stalls).

Vishvendra Sodha

Google
Jai Maa Karni Sach me agar kahi sukoon h to bas yahi h maa ke anchal me . The newest look we can see the temple was built by maharaja Ganga Singh Ji of bikaner . There were idol of maa karni in the centre of temple. The rats were found everywhere in the temple there were no harm of rats to anyone because the are considered as to be sons of maa karni . The nehri jii temple is also present 1 km far from main temple where maa karni live and a panorama was also built by govt which give a visual to real characters . In that penorama we can find all stories from child hood to there oldage time we seen there chamatkar from these stories. Jaa maa karni

Param Dev Singh

Google
A Devine place with infinite spiritual energy. Mata Karni blessings are so powerful. Very beautifully crafted Hindu temple at deshnok rajasthan. Lots of rats are there and they are the part of the sustainable collaboration between nature and Devine spiritual experience. Just fifty meter away from deshnok railway station. Easily approachable and best located.

Kunwar Anshuman singh Bankawat (Annu)

Google
A very grand temple of Rajasthan, the atmosphere here is very sacred and it is a great pleasure to see the Karni Mata temple, you will like the rats here very much, do visit here at least once, there is no parking charge.

rajkumar suthar

Google
The Deshnok Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, India, is a unique temple renowned for its large population of rats, which are considered sacred and are believed to be reincarnations of Karni Mata's followers. The temple is located in the village of Deshnok, about 30 km south of Bikaner.