Karni Mata Temple

Current Context : Prime Minister recently visited the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, emphasizing its religious and cultural importance.

About Karni Mata Temple

• Location: Deshnoke town, 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan.
• Deity: Dedicated to Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
• Historical Background:
  • Built by Rao Jaitasi, to commemorate the victory of the Bikaner King over Mughal King Kumaran.
  • Present structure completed under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.
• Religious Sect: Belongs to Shakta Sampradaya.
• Unique Feature:
  • Inhabited by over 25,000 rats (kābā) which are considered sacred.
  • White rats are seen as manifestations of Karni Mata and her family.
  • Despite the vast rat population, no plague outbreak has ever been recorded.
• Architecture: Carved marble façade with silver doors showing legends of Karni Mata.
• Festivals: Major fairs are held twice a year during Navratri (March-April & September-October).