The land of Rajasthan has long been a witness to devotion, power, and faith. Around 30 kilometres from Bikaner lies the holy town of Deshnok, home to the famous Karni Mata Temple, a unique symbol of faith and spirituality. According to local belief, Karni Mata manifested nearly 650 years ago and is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. After marriage, she renounced worldly life, withdrew into a cave, and performed intense penance for over a hundred years, ultimately living for about 150 years.
Karni Mata is worshipped as the kuldevi (family deity) of the royal families of Bikaner and Jodhpur. Her blessings are believed to have played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of these princely states. To this day, countless legends of her miracles and divine grace continue to inspire devotees. The Unique Temple of Rats — The Karni Mata Temple is globally renowned as the “Temple of Rats.” Constructed entirely of marble, this grand shrine was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.
The temple houses nearly 25,000 rats, locally called kaba, who roam freely throughout the premises. The extraordinary feature is that despite their vast numbers, the rats neither harm devotees nor cause damage by gnawing at offerings or structures.
As per belief, Karni Mata liberated her descendants from the cycle of 8.4 million births. Upon death, her lineage returns to the temple in the form of kaba and later reincarnates as humans again. The Miracle of the White Rat — Among thousands of black and brown rats, the rare sight of a white rat is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that catching a glimpse of the white rat during darshan ensures the fulfilment of wishes, removal of hardships, and a life of prosperity.
Another unique tradition at the temple is the offering of bhog. The food is first presented to the rats, and only after they have tasted it is the “leftover” distributed among devotees as sacred prasad. For believers, this prasad holds the same sanctity as divine nectar. A popular legend also states that if a devotee accidentally steps on and kills a rat inside the temple, they must atone by offering a silver rat as penance, ensuring the appeasement of the goddess. Every year, Navratri transforms Deshnok into a vibrant spiritual hub. Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad gather here to participate in the grand festivities. Special rituals, devotional songs, and sacred ceremonies are performed throughout the nine days.
On the Shukla Saptami of Ashwin month, the birth anniversary of Karni Mata is celebrated with immense devotion. The atmosphere of Deshnok during Navratri is truly divine — crowds of devotees, groups of freely roaming rats, and the temple’s celestial aura create an unforgettable sight.
Alongside faith and tradition, Deshnok is now witnessing rapid modernisation. On May 22 , Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly redeveloped Deshnok Amrit Bharat Station, built at a cost of `24 crore.
The Karni Mata Temple remains an unparalleled centre of faith, miracles, and mystery. The sight of thousands of rats, the rare blessing of a white rat, the sacred distribution of prasad, and the enduring stories of miracles make it one of the most unique places of worship in the world. During Navratri, visiting the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok is a deeply spiritual and unforgettable experience. It stands as a timeless symbol of divine faith while simultaneously embracing the opportunities of modern development. This rare blend of tradition and progress reflects India’s living heritage — where devotion and modernity walk hand in hand, continuing to inspire generations.
(The writer is an independent journalist and columnist)
