If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple (also known as Madh Deshnoke) is a destination that truly defies convention. Located in the town of Deshnoke, just south of Bikaner, this historic Hindu temple is world-famous as the “Temple of Rats.”
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Every week, thousands of devotees and curious travelers from across the globe descend upon this shrine to witness a sight found nowhere else: over 25,000 sacred rats living, playing, and being worshipped within the temple walls.
1. The Legend: Why Rats are Sacred Here
Dedicated to Karni Mata, a 14th-century warrior sage and an ascetic who led a life of miracles, the temple is steeped in Charan folklore.
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The Reincarnation Story: Legend says Karni Mata asked Yama (the God of Death) to revive her drowned stepson. When Yama refused, she declared that her family members would no longer go to his kingdom. Instead, they would temporarily inhabit the bodies of rats (Kabbas) before being reborn back into her lineage.
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The Holy White Rat: Amidst the thousands of black rats, a few White Rats reside here. Spotting one is considered an immense blessing—a direct sign that your prayers have been heard by Karni Mata herself.
2. Karni Mata Temple Darshan Timings 2026
The temple operates daily, following a schedule that honors the sacred inhabitants. While the temple is open all day, the Mangla Aarti is the most spiritual and visually stunning time to visit.
| Day | Darshan Timings | Best Time to Visit |
| Monday to Sunday | 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Ritual Schedule:
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Mangla Aarti: 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM (The rats are most active as they gather for morning milk).
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General Darshan: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
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Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM.
3. Ticket Price and Online Booking
One of the best things for pilgrims is that the temple remains accessible to everyone without a high cost.
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Entrance Fee: FREE. There is no ticket required for Darshan or entry.
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Online Booking: Currently, there is no official website for Darshan booking. You can simply walk in.
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Camera Charges:
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Still Camera: 20 INR
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Video Camera: 50 INR
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4. Survival Tips for the Temple Floor
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Watch Your Feet: The rats have the right of way. Accidentally stepping on a Kabba is considered a sin. Tradition dictates that if you kill a rat, you must replace it with a statue made of solid gold or silver.
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Sacred “Jutha” (Prasad): Devotees often bring milk, sweets, and cheese. It is considered a sacred blessing to eat food that the rats have already nibbled on.
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The Sock Strategy: You must remove your shoes at the gate. If you are uncomfortable with rats running over your feet, you can buy disposable socks from vendors outside the temple.
5. Major Festivals & Fairs (Mela) 2026
The temple is at its most vibrant during the Navratri fairs, where it often stays open 24 hours a day.
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Chaitra Navratri Mela: March 19 – March 27, 2026.
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Ashwin Navratri Mela: October 11 – October 19, 2026.
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Oran Parikrama: A sacred circumambulation of the area established by Karni Mata, performed on special religious dates.
6. Logistics: Getting to Deshnoke
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By Road: A 30 km drive (approx. 45 mins) from Bikaner city via NH89. Taxis and local buses are readily available.
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By Train: Deshnoke has its own station with good links to Bikaner and Jodhpur.
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Architecture: Take a moment to appreciate the massive silver doors and intricate marble carvings donated by the Maharajas of Bikaner.
7. Contact Details
If you need further information regarding specific Sevas or festival arrangements, you can reach out via the following:
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Office Address: Deshnoke, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, India.
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Contact Number: 9928423674
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Location: 30 km South of Bikaner.