In almost all the tours we offer in India, we make our way to Bikaner, a city renowned for its rich history and heritage. Bikaner boasts an impressive fort, the Junagarh Fort, built in the 16th century by the third ruler of the Bikaner Kingdom. This fort is a symbol of grandeur and architectural elegance that you shouldn’t miss. During the journey to Bikaner, we take a slight detour to reach Deshnoke, home of the famous Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple. This temple is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and mystical experience.
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Deshnoke and the fascinating Karni Mata Temple
Deshnoke, a small village in Rajasthan, India, is home to one of the most unique and mystical temples in the world: the Karni Mata Temple, known as the Rat Temple. This shrine attracts thousands of visitors fascinated by its legends and the presence of thousands of rats revered as sacred. Discover its history and location to understand why this place is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique experience:
History and Legend of Karni Mata
The Karni Mata Temple has its roots in the 14th century. Karni Mata, considered a reincarnation of the goddess Durga, asked the god of death, Yama, to revive her son Lakhan, who had drowned. When Yama refused, Karni Mata decreed that her family members and followers would be reincarnated as rats. For this reason, these creatures are revered and protected in the temple.
Location of the Rat Temple
The unique experience of the Rat Temple
The Rat Temple offers a truly unique experience for visitors. Learn how the rats coexist, their rituals, and how the Temple is maintained:
Coexistence with the rats: a living sanctuary
According to National Geographic, the temple is home to around 20,000 rats that roam freely everywhere. The entrance to the temple has a symbolic cost, intended to maintain these rodents. It is necessary to remove your shoes to enter, so it is advisable to wear socks if you prefer not to walk barefoot among the rats.
Ritual and maintenance of the temple
The temple caretakers clean the place daily and feed the rats with bowls of milk, in addition to the offerings from devotees. Inside the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to the goddess Durga, the most sacred part of the premises. Entry to the shrine may be difficult for foreigners due to the crowd of local devotees.
Tips for travelers to the Karni Mata Temple
To fully enjoy this fascinating shrine, it is important to be well-informed and take some precautions. In this guide, we offer information on preparations as well as the legend that surrounds it:
Preparations and Precautions
For those who fear rats, it is important to know that these animals are accustomed to humans and rarely bite. Additionally, a protective net has been installed in the temple’s inner courtyard to prevent scavenger birds from hunting the rats.
The legend of the white rat
Devotees believe that seeing a white rat in the temple is a sign of good luck and prosperity, representing the reincarnation of Karni Mata or one of her family members. This legend adds an element of mystery and hope to the visit.
An unforgettable journey to Bikaner and beyond
The Karni Mata Temple may not be one of India’s main tourist attractions, but it is a fascinating stop on the way to Bikaner. At Kuboco Tours Pvt. Ltd., we encourage you to explore this unique destination and enjoy a rich and enriching cultural experience.
