Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata. It is famously known as the "Temple of Rats" due to the thousands of holy rodents, called kābā, that reside within its complex and are revered by devotees. The temple attracts visitors for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world, and is considered particularly important for devotees of Charani sagatis.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an embodiment of Shakti.
- ›It is renowned as the "Temple of Rats" due to the presence of approximately 20,000 holy rodents (kābā).
- ›Devotees believe that kābā are reincarnated members of Karni Mata's lineage.
- ›Killing a kābā requires replacing it with a solid silver or gold effigy.
- ›White kābā are considered especially holy and manifestations of the goddess herself.
- ›The temple hosts two major fairs twice a year during the Navratra periods.
Karni Mata
- Major Pilgrimage Site For Devotees of Charani Sagatis
- Renowned "Temple of Rats" Attracting International Tourists
- Exemplary of An "Environmentally Conscious Hindu Ethos"
Ganga Singh of Bikaner
Navratras
Marble, Silver
Karni Mata, Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner
- Murti of Karni Mata
- Silver Doors With Panels Depicting Legends of the Goddess
Kapil Sarovar
About Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple, located in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata. This sacred site has become the most important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Charani sagatis, particularly after access to Hinglaj was restricted. Beyond its religious significance, the temple is internationally renowned as the "Temple of Rats" due to the thousands of rodents, known as kābā, that inhabit the complex and are considered holy.
Legend of the Kābā
Legend states that Karni Mata, an embodiment of Shakti, made a pact with the god of death, Yamraj. After her nephew Lakshman drowned, Karni Mata demanded his return to life. In resolving the cycle of rebirth, she declared that her lineage would be reborn as kābā when they died, and when the kābā perished, they would be reborn as human Charans. This belief ensures the transmigration of her followers while maintaining their spiritual lineage.
The Present Temple and Its Inhabitants
Approximately 20,000 kābā reside within the temple complex, cared for by temple staff and workers who view them as kin. These rodents move freely throughout the inner sanctum, kitchen, and surrounding areas, consuming offerings of prasad, milk, grains, fruits, vegetables, and even liquor. They have become habituated to human interaction, often resting on devotees' laps or shoulders. Consuming food that has been nibbled on by a kābā is considered a high honor, and accidentally killing a rat necessitates replacing it with a silver or gold effigy.
Architecture and Administration
The temple's current form was completed in the early 20th century in the Rajput style by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. It features a marble facade and solid silver doors adorned with panels depicting legends of the Goddess. The administration of the temple complex is managed by Shri Karani Mandir Nij Pranyas, an elected committee that also oversees dharmshalas, museums, and gaushalas. Charan workers serve as religious specialists, conduct rituals, and provide care for the kābā.
Worship and Festivals
The temple opens early in the morning for rituals and worship. Devotees offer cheese, sweets, and milk to the rats, believing their saliva possesses healing properties. Two major fairs are held annually during the Navratras, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims. The Oran of Deshnoke, a sacred area established by Karni Mata where no harm is to befall any being, is also circumambulated during these festivals.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Karni Mata Temple famous for?
The Karni Mata Temple is most famous for being the "Temple of Rats." It is home to thousands of rodents, known as kābā, which are considered holy by devotees and are treated with utmost care and reverence.
Who is Karni Mata?
Karni Mata was a Hindu warrior goddess and an embodiment of Shakti. She is revered as a divine figure who lived a celibate life and is believed to have made a pact with the god of death, Yamraj, ensuring her lineage would be reborn as kābā within her temple.
Why are the rats considered holy?
According to legend, when Karni Mata demanded her nephew Lakshman be brought back to life, Yamraj questioned the cycle of rebirth. Karni Mata declared that her family would no longer come to Yamraj, and when they died, they would be reborn as kābā (rats) to live with her, and when kābā died, they would be reborn as human Charans. This belief maintains the Charan jāti across births.
What are the white rats in the temple significant?
The rare white kābā found within the temple are considered especially holy. They are believed to be manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four nephews. Sighting a white kābā is seen as a special blessing from the goddess.
When are the main festivals celebrated at Karni Mata Temple?
The Karni Mata Temple hosts two major fairs annually, both held during the Navratra periods. The first and larger fair occurs in March–April, while the second takes place in September–October. Thousands of people make pilgrimages to the temple during these times.
What happens if a visitor accidentally kills a rat?
The temple has a specific rule that if a visitor accidentally steps on and kills a kābā, they must replace it with a rat made of solid silver or gold. This underscores the deep respect and sanctity afforded to the rodents within the temple.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Radha Rani Temple
The Shri Radha Rani Temple, located atop Bhanugarh hill in Barsana, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Radha. Originally believed to have been established by King Vajranabh, the temple complex features Rajput architecture with red sandstone and intricate carvings, resembling a magnificent palace. It is a major pilgrimage site, especially popular for the festivals of Radhashtami and Lathmar Holi.
Trilokpur Temple
The Trilokpur Temple complex in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga in her form as Mahamaya Bala Sundri. Legend states its origin in 1570 CE when a sacred stone representing the goddess appeared in a salt bag, leading to the construction of the main temple. The site is known for its amalgam of Indo-Persian architectural styles and attracts millions of devotees annually.
Hari Parbat
Hari Parbat is a significant hill overlooking Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, renowned for its historical fort and religious sites. It features a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sharika (Parvati), identified with the sacred pebble of local mythology, alongside Muslim shrines and Sikh Gurdwaras.