Exploring the Unique Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan

The Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan, is a unique pilgrimage site where over 25,000 rats are revered as sacred. Visitors must follow special customs to avoid stepping on these revered creatures. The temple is steeped in legend, including a tale of resurrection involving the goddess and her son. This article delves into the temple's intriguing practices, its significance, and the stories that make it a must-visit destination for devotees and tourists alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 01:27 IST

A Glimpse into India's Mystical Temples

India is home to numerous temples dedicated to various deities, each renowned for its unique characteristics and mysteries. Among these, several temples are famous for their enigmatic qualities, often showcasing miraculous events that remain unexplained even by science.

The Extraordinary Karni Mata Temple

Located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple is a remarkable site where rats are revered as sacred beings. This temple, also known as the Temple of Mice, is situated approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. Visitors will be astonished to learn that over 25,000 rats inhabit this temple, regarded as the offspring of the goddess.

Unique Customs at the Temple

Every year, a significant number of devotees visit the Karni Mata Temple for blessings. Upon entering, worshippers must adhere to specific guidelines, such as dragging their feet instead of lifting them to avoid stepping on any rats. Stepping on a rat is considered extremely inauspicious here.

In addition to the common black rats, the temple is also home to a few white rats, which are deemed sacred. It is believed that the offerings made to the goddess are consumed by these rats, and devotees accept the remnants as blessed prasad. Visitors often bring peanuts and milk to feed the rats in large trays.

The Legend Behind the Temple

Karni Mata, also known as Maa Jagdamba, is associated with a fascinating legend. It is said that when her son, along with her husband and sister's child, drowned in the Kapil Sarovar, she fervently prayed to Yama, the god of death, to restore her son's life. Yama eventually granted her wish, but her son was reborn as a rat.