The
Karni Mata temple, Deshnok is situated 30 km from Bikaner. The temple is
dedicated to an early 15th century mystic, considered to be a
reincarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is quite famous for a large
number of brown rats running around the temple complex fearlessly. It is
believed that the souls of dead Charans (traditional bards, the devotees
of Mata) reside in these rats. It is considered very lucky to spot a rat
in the temple. During the time of aarti, these rats are offered sweets,
grains, etc by the devotees.Ganga Singh, the former ruler of Bikaner, got the temple constructed totally of marble. Karni Mata temple, Rajasthan has silver and gold domes. Even the mandap and the panels above the image are made up of gold. The main gate of the Deshnok Rat temple, Bikaner has been intricately worked upon.
The Karni Mata temple is thronged not only by the Rajasthanis. Rather, devotees from all over India and even abroad pay a visit to the temple. At the time of Navaratri, a fair is held at the temple. Devotees from places far and wide flock to the temple at that time, some even on foot. Day by day, the faith in Karni Mata is increasing, attracting more and more devotees to the place. Whenever the wishes of the devotees get fulfilled, they offer silver and gold to the goddess at the temple.
