Karni Mata Temple
Religious Site Hindu temple in Rajasthan famed for sacred rats
Outside Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok is famous for its resident rats and devotional rituals; pilgrims and curious tourists observe offerings, temple courtyards and local religious custom.
_(8423353617).jpg?width=1200)
Karni Mata Temple is a Hindu shrine located in the village of Deshnok, in Rajasthan, northern India, and is closely associated with the local deity Karni Mata. The temple is renowned for the large population of rats that inhabit the complex and are considered sacred.
The inner sanctum houses the principal image and is the focal point for worship and darshan. Many thousands of rats, locally called kabbas, roam the marble floors and are given priority by devotees; seeing the rats is a distinctive part of a visit.
The shrine traces its religious association to the figure Karni Mata and has been developed and maintained by her followers over centuries. The present complex contains marble work and silvered entrances added during later renovations by patronage from regional rulers and devotees.
The temple stands in Deshnok in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, in northwestern India, and is accessible from nearby towns and cities by road.
- Rats (kabbas): Thousands of rats live freely inside the temple complex and are regarded as sacred; they are often fed by visitors and temple staff.
- Visitor etiquette: Visitors are expected to follow local customs such as removing shoes before entering inner areas and may queue for darshan during peak hours and festivals.
How to Get to Karni Mata Temple #
Deshnok is about 30 km south of Bikaner (Rajasthan). Buses and taxis run from Bikaner; the temple is a short walk from Deshnok town centre.
Tips for Visiting Karni Mata Temple #
- Visit in the early morning or late evening to see the temple without overwhelming crowds-midday on festival days is packed.
- Bring small offerings or sweets rather than food that could attract pests; temple traditions discourage feeding the rats by hand for hygiene reasons.
- Follow local customs: avoid loud photography during rituals and accept guidance from temple attendants if shown where to stand.
Best Time to Visit Karni Mata Temple #
Winter months are the busiest and most comfortable for visitors; festival days (especially Navaratri) draw large crowds.
Weather & Climate near Karni Mata Temple #
Karni Mata Temple's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 42°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot with highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 28°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
