Inside Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner: Where Thousands Of Rats Are Worshipped As Sacred Beings

A recent viral video on Instagram has once again brought global attention to one of India's most unusual temples - the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the 'Rat Temple' of Rajasthan. In the video, traveller Justin (@side_quest_project) and his companions document their visit, choosing to skip the Taj Mahal in favour of this extraordinary shrine dedicated to thousands of sacred rats.

The clip shows the trio waiting in a queue to enter the temple and later navigating through its marble corridors teeming with rats feeding on milk and grains. After their visit, Justin admits they were "shell-shocked," while his friend quips, "Too many rats for a temple, too few rats for a rat temple."

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The video, which has garnered over 4.9 million views, has left viewers divided - some fascinated, others terrified. One comment read, "Bro's doing India on hard mode. I'm Indian and I'd never set foot in that temple myself," while another said, "This is literally on my bucket list!"

Amidst the humour and disbelief, many users pointed out the temple's cultural significance - "That's the Mata Karni Temple in Deshnok, Rajasthan. It's a reminder of India's deep-rooted belief in the sanctity of all life forms," one user explained.

Why Are Rats Worshipped At Karni Mata Temple

Located in Deshnok, about 30 kilometres from Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is one of Rajasthan's most intriguing spiritual sites. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered 14th-century mystic believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

According to legend, when Karni Mata's stepson Laxman drowned in a lake, she pleaded with Yama, the god of death, to bring him back. Yama refused at first but later relented, allowing Laxman and all of Karni Mata's male descendants to be reborn as rats. Since then, devotees have considered the rats - or kabbas - sacred reincarnations of her followers.

Today, around 25,000 rats reside within the temple, freely roaming its premises. Spotting a white rat among them is considered especially auspicious, believed to bring blessings from the Goddess herself.

^{Photo Credit: Instagram/karni_mata_deshnok_}

Karni Mata Temple Architecture

The present structure of the Karni Mata Temple was completed in the early 20th century under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Built entirely of marble, the temple's design bears Mughal architectural influences. Its silver doors are intricately carved with scenes from the goddess's legends, while the sanctum houses a 75-centimetre idol of Karni Mata holding a trident and adorned with a silver crown and garlands.

Further embellishments, including marble carvings and silver gates, were added in 1999 by Hyderabad-based jeweller Kundan Lal Verma, enhancing the temple's distinctive charm.

Feeding Rats As An Act Of Faith In The Temple

Visitors will often find devotees feeding the rats - an offering considered a sacred ritual. Bowls of milk, grains, and sweets are placed around the temple for the rodents to consume. If a rat eats directly from your hand, it is said to be an omen of good fortune.

The atmosphere, while unusual, is one of peaceful coexistence - where humans and rats share the space in reverence and harmony.

Visitor Information For Karni Mata Temple

• Timings: The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The day begins with the Mangla Aarti at dawn, followed by offerings to the deity.
• Best Time To Visit: The ideal time to visit Bikaner is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant. To avoid crowds, plan your visit early in the morning between 5 AM and 8 AM, preferably on weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday).

How To Reach Karni Mata Temple

• By Car: The temple is about 4.4 km from Bikaner city centre - an 11-minute drive.
• By Train: Bikaner Railway Station lies roughly 4.9 km away. Auto-rickshaws and cabs are easily available.
• By Air: The nearest airport, Civil Airport Bikaner, is about 17 km away, with taxis available for a 30-minute drive to the temple.

For travellers seeking a glimpse into India's diversity of faith and symbolism, Karni Mata Temple offers a perspective unlike any other. It may not be for the faint-hearted, but it stands as a profound reminder of the country's belief in the sanctity of all life - even those that scurry at our feet.