Deshnok Temple Bikaner

Travel to India > Bikaner > What to See in Bikaner > Deshnok Temple Bikaner

Deshnok is a small village near Bikaner along the Jodhpur road. There is a very fascinating temple of karni Mata who is a reincarnation of the Goddess Durga. The temple is world famous, as Rat temple as they are considered holy here. The holy rats are considered that the souls of the dead Charans (devotees of the Mata) reside in these rats. The temple has a number of brown rats and it is very lucky if you can spot a white rat amongst the brown ones. Devotees offer them with grains, sweets and other things during the pooja.

Karni Mata lived in the 14th century and she performed many miracles. Her youngest son was Lakhan, who drowned. Karni Mata ordered Yama, the god of death to give him life. Yama replied that he was unable to help in the matter. Karni Mata, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, restored his life. She declared that members of her family would no longer die. They would be incarnated as a Kabas (rats). These Kabas would return to her as family members. There are nearly 600 families in Deshnok and all of them claim descent from Karni Mata.

The temple of Karni Mata is an important religious center. People from all over come here to worship her. Maharaja Ganga Singh built the temple in the 20th century. The temple is built in marble and the domes are made up of Gold and silver. The temple has some excellent sculptures and beautiful marble paneling. The patterns throw light on the superb skill of the craftsmen. The idol of Karni Mata is a combination between Goddess Durga and common women.

The rats move freely over here. The main gate of the temple is beautifully carved and the sanctum houses the image of goddess. It is amazing to see the holy rats all around the place. This is the only place where the rats are free and are worshipped. They are protected by a bronze wire mesh so that they do not become prey to the birds.

It is considered very lucky if you spot a white rat amongst the brown ones. If you happen to step on a rat accidentally, you should replace it with a gold rat of the same weight.