Situated at Deshnok, Karni Mata Fair of Bikaner,
Rajasthan is held two times in a year. Deshnok is a small town near
Nokha in Bikaner district. The Rajasthan Karni Mata Fair is dedicated to
Karni Mata, an ascetic who spent her life working towards uplifting of
the deprived and oppressed communities. Legend has it that she possessed
mystical powers. She was the founder of Deshnok. In the present times,
her main followers worship her as a goddess. She was also regarded as
the patron deity by Charans, as well as the rulers of Bikaner.
The Karni Mata temple at Deshnok is constructed of stone and marble
structure. Also known as Madh, the temple houses a 75 cm statue of Karni
Mata, ornamented with a mukut (tiara) and garlands. There are also
images of the sisters of Karni Mata and Avad Mata. It is a ritual among
the Rajputs to bring their children to the temple for their first hair
cut. The cut hairs of the children are placed at Mata's feet for her
blessing.
The first fair (larger one of the two) is held during the period of
March to April. It is the time of Navratras and the days of the fair are
from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair (the
smaller one) takes place during the period of September to October. This
period is the time of the second Navratras, the fair being from Ashvin
Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.
The Karni Mata temple is open to the public as early as 4.00 a.m. in
the morning. First of all in the morning, Charan priests conduct
Mangla-Ki-Aarti and offer bhog (special food). The most unique feature
of the temple is the swarm of brown rats wandering at leisure inside the
temple. The rats are believed to be lucky and are even made offerings by
the devotees.
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