Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan India

Ancient Temples & Sites

The Karnimata temple, popularly known as the Rat Temple, is 32 km from Bikaner, on the Jodhpur road. Here rats are worshipped and it looks amazing to see sqeaking rats run around your bare foot. It is forbidden to harm the rats here in any way, and it is considered especially lucky to see a white rat.

This temple was built in the 15th century and earned fame for prophesying the foundation of the kingdom of Bikaner and as a reincarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple with its carved marbale facade has rats who is believed as the reborn souls of the Charans who serve at the temple. Devotees offer milk and sweets to the rats. Karni Mata temple continues to remain the tutelary diety for the royal family of Bikaner.

Inside the main doorway is an open courtyard, and an enclosed sanctum sanctorum within. The sanctum sanctorum is definitely not for those who are even slightly claustrophobic. It is a small, dark, murky area, with two or three narrow doors. In the centre is a large dish of milk, thickly surrounded by rats.