Karni Mata Temple or Rat Temple

Overview

The Karni Mata temple is otherwise called the Rat temple and is named after a lady, who was the seventh little girl of Mehoji Charan and Deval Devi and conceived in the fourteenth century in the Suwap town of Jodhpur locale.

Truly a mind boggling sort of temple, Karni Mata temple, is an unquestionable requirement visit for some voyagers.The inhabitant divinity of the temple is Karni Mata, who is considered as a resurrection of Durga. Karni mata was spiritualist who lived in the fifteenth century and broke down after her marriage at 27 years old. She turned into a sanyasani and dedicated her whole life for the welfare of poor people. In the inward sanctum of the temple there is a symbol of her portraying her as Durga in the wake of killing off Mahishasur, the wild ox devil. The goddess as well as highly regarded. These rodents, called kabas, live in the temple premises and are accepted to house the withdrew souls of worshippers of Karni Mata.

Karni Mata was a female Hindu sage conceived in the Charan standing. She is worshiped as the incarnation of the goddess Durga by her followers. She is an official divinity of the imperial group of Jodhpur and Bikaner. She carried on with a plain life and was broadly loved amid her own lifetime. At the solicitation of the Maharaja of Bikaner, she established the framework stones for two essential strongholds in the locale. The most renowned of her temples is in the residential community of Deshnoke, close Bikaner in Rajasthan, and was made tailing her strange vanishing from her home.

Temple Overview

The temple is renowned for its white rats, which are dealt with as sacrosanct and given security in the temple. In opposition to a few reports, the temple is not associated with Jainism. Another temple devoted to her amid her lifetime varies from others in that it doesn't contain a picture or icon of her, yet rather contains a foot shaped impression to symbolize her visit to that place. Karni mata is additionally alluded to as Nari Bai. Karni Mata Temple is a celebrated Hindu temple committed to Karni Mata at Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner, in Rajasthan, India. It is otherwise called the Temple of Rats. The temple is celebrated for the roughly 20,000 dark rats that live, and are venerated in, the temple. These blessed rats are called kabbas, and numerous individuals head out extraordinary separations to offer their regards. The temple draws guests from the nation over for endowments, and additionally inquisitive visitors from around the globe.

The 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple is well known for its inhabitant populace of rats which are adored in the temple.The temple, otherwise called Nari Mata Temple, is devoted to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Its inhabitant mass of blessed rodents is not for the nauseous, but rather most guests to Bikaner fearless the potential for lower leg nipping and put a half-day trip here on their agenda. Regular transports leave from Bikaner's principle transport stand.

This temple is entirely well known for a substantial number of chestnut rats circling the temple complex boldly. It is trusted that the souls of dead Charans (conventional troubadours, the devotees of Mata) dwell in these rats. It is considered extremely fortunate seeing a white rodent or when a rodent keeps running over your foot. During the season of aarti, these rats are offered desserts, grains, and so forth by the devotees.The thing which hits everybody with miracle is the vicinity of thousands and a huge number of rats in the temple which uninhibitedly moved about unscared of anybody despite the vicinity of the explorers in awesome numbers. At no time in the past infection broke over here. There was no rate of maladie by any stretch of the imagination. Individuals regard this as a wonder of Karanimata. In the entire world this is one of a kind temple where rats unreservedly move out.

The ministers of Shakta faction worshiped the Goddess. The rats are sustained on Milk and Laddu. The relatives of Karnimata who are Depawats of the Charan Community adore the Goddess. At whatever point somebody's whishes are satisfied, he plans prasadam in two major cauldrons of iron. This prasadam is circulated amongst who are available and all who visit.

Ganga Singh, the previous leader of Bikaner, got the temple developed absolutely of marble. Karni Mata temple, Rajasthan has silver and gold vaults. Indeed, even the mandap and the boards over the picture are comprised of gold. The primary door of the Deshnok Rat temple, Bikaner has been unpredictably worked upon.

The Karni Mata temple is thronged not just by the Rajasthanis. Maybe, aficionados from all over India and even abroad visit the temple. At the season of Navaratri, a reasonable is held at the temple. Devotees from spots far and wide run to the temple around then, a few even by walking. Step by step, the confidence in Karni Mata is expanding, drawing in more devotees to the spot. At whatever point the wishes of the devotees get satisfied, they offer silver and gold to the goddess at the temple.

By, Karni Mata, a fourteenth century incarnation of Durga, solicited the god from death, Yama to restore to life the child of a lamenting storyteller. At the point when Yama can't, Karni Mata resurrected every single dead storyteller as rats, denying Yama of human souls.

About the Temple

This temple is situated in Deshnoke, 30 kms from Bikener, Rajasthan. This is well known as Rat Temple. The rats are exceptionally sacrosanct in this temple. There are numerous 1000s of rats here. These rats are considered as heavenly and not as irritations. It is trusted that there are around 20,000 rats here. They are seen all over. Neither the rats nor the enthusiasts are frightened of one another. Devotees and rats share an uncommon bond. These rats are known as Khabas. They offer supplications to God to these rats.

The Prasadam is initially offered to the Khabas and at exactly that point to the enthusiasts. This spot is free of Plague or some other infectious maladies. There is a prevalent view that the rats are the incarnations of dead progenitors of Charan tribes and when rats bite the dust, they are conceived as people. The Karni Mata secures these rats. They are considered as the holiest rats. Despite the fact that, there are around 20000 rats here nobody to this date has seen any infant rats. Any given day, they all are of same size, shape, weight and tallness. There are numerous white rats too. They are considered as the holiest and immaculate Khabas.

No different temples have these numerous rats anyplace.This temple is constantly loaded with devotees. At the point when these rats hop on you or have your prasadam it is considered as favors. On the off chance that one executes a rodent here, one needs to supplant it with a gold or silver Khaba of same size, shape, tallness and weight. At the point when rats bite the dust, they as a rule deliver a foul odor and this is a generally accepted fact, however when rats bite the dust here, they don't create any foul scent by any stretch of the imagination. There is no foul smell at all. At the point when a Rat passes on there will be a conception in her tribe. This is delightfully timed. This is certainly a miracle. Rats got to be sacrosanct in her temple when Karni Mata's stepson Laxman suffocated in a tank he was endeavoring to drink from. She arranged with the divine force of death-Yuma. She needed to restore the youngster. Nonetheless, the ruler Yuma declined to process her solicitation referring to that the unhealthy kid has effectively taken a resurrection. Karni Mata then goes to an understanding that every one of the general population of her tribe when dead ought to be conceived as rats before taking another human conception. Yuma gave his gesture. Subsequently every one of the rats here are considered as unhealthy progenitors. The Karni Mata ensures every one of them.

There are numerous rooms lodging different symbols and a kitchen which houses two immense pots named, Saawan and Bhadwa. On celebration days, the halwa or Prasad made with 14,000 kgs of wheat is made in these pots and disseminated to every one of the enthusiasts. Obviously the mice get a decent amount. The conception day of Sri Karniji is the principle celebration here. It is said that even now individuals make pledges to her and numerous supernatural occurrences still happen here. As of late a flame softened out up the ammo branch of the Bikaner armed force however for some odd reason no mischief was brought about to the town. This again is credited to the finesse of Sri Karniji.

They scarcely appeared to see the general population who were processing around. Some of them were eating the sugar balls and nuts which were tossed to them by the enthusiasts. Others were hanging over a gigantic dish of milk, drinking with awesome energy. Some were sleeping soundly amidst the floor with the goal that you needed to pick your path deliberately so as to evade them. What was most amazing was that none of them were apprehensive. Typically mice will leave off into their gaps at the methodology of human feet. Here they moved about unafraid, hectically taking care of their own plan, neglectful of whatever remains of the world. When looked round the gaps and corners seeking after a look at the legendary white mouse. Despite the fact that everything was made of marble yet it was hard to locate a perfect spot to sit since individuals had tossed a wide range of eatables for the mice in their push to pick up the gift of the goddess. It somewhat despondent to see that a significant number of the rodents were infected with peeling skins since they were being encouraged on an excess of desserts.

Temple Architecture

The present temple goes back to the fifteenth century, when it was manufactured by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The striking façade of the temple is completely implicit marble. Inside the temple mind boggling, one can see a couple of silver entryways before the primary hallowed place of the Goddess. These strong silver entryways were given by Maharaja Gaj Singh, on his visit to this temple.

The temple was further improved by Kundanlal Verma of Hyderabad-based Karni Jewelers in 1999. The silver doors to the temple and the marble carvings were likewise given by him.

In the principle hallowed place, the picture of the goddess is set with sacred things at her feet. Encompassed by rats, Karni Mata is holding a trishul (trident) in one of her hands. The picture of Karni Mata is 75 cms tall, decked with a mukut (crown) and a festoon of blooms. On her either side, pictures of her sisters are set. Karni Mata Temple pulls in various travelers and explorers consistently, because of its exceptional directing creatures.

Karni Mata lived in the fourteenth century and performed numerous marvels amid her lifetime. When her most youthful child, Lakhan, suffocated, she requested Yama (the divine force of death) to breath life into him back. Yama said he was not able do as such, yet that Karni Mata, as an incarnation of Durga, could restore Lakhan's life. This she did, announcing that individuals from her family would no incredible would be resurrected as kabas (rats). Around 600 families in Deshnok case to be relatives of Karni Mata and that they will be resurrected as kabas.

The temple isn't, truth be told, swarming with rats, yet there are a ton of them here, particularly in niches and corners and in territories where ministers and pioneers leave nourishment for them.Karni Mata Temple is really a divine being's blessing. The special figure is wonderfully cut out of marble and stone.The enchanting arches are assembled of silver and gold. The eye-getting mandap in the principle temple and segment over the goddess' picture is made of gold.

Revere

The temple is tossed open to the general population at a early hour in the morning at 4.00 a.m. Charan clerics perform Mangla-Ki-Aarti and offer bhog (exceptional sustenance) in worship. Aficionados make offerings to the rats, which wander about the temple in vast numbers and are viewed as propitious. There are two sorts of offerings made: the 'dwar-bhent' is ascribed to the ministers and the laborers, while the 'kalash-bhent' is used for the temple support and improvement.

About the Deity

The icon of Karniji is made of the brilliant shaded rocks found in Jaisalmer and was cut by a visually impaired artisan of Jaisalmer as she had advised her child. It is an exceptionally wonderful icon with a crown on her head, ear rings and pieces of jewelry. She holds the trident in her cleared out hand under which is the leader of a lion. Her right hand holds the leader of a man. The lengha (skirt) she wears has common overlays however this is not extremely unmistakable because of the vermillion with which the icon is secured. The entryways of the sanctorum are secured with gold leaf.

The symbol of Karni Mata wields a trishul (trident) in her grasp. It is prevalent thinking that Goddess Durga lived set up where the temple stands today and performed supernatural occurrences amid fourteenth century. The divinity is accepted to ensure the past regal crew.

Karni Mata is accepted to have established the framework stones of two of the most critical posts in Rajputana. Most temples devoted to Karni Mata were fabricated amid her lifetime. The Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok is the most popular from every single other temple devoted to her, principally in light of the rodent populace.

The symbol of god is one feet three crawls wide and two and half feet tall. Bikaner's ruler Ganga Singh had the entire temple manufactured in marble. The vaults of the temple are made of silver and gold. The manadap and the boards over the picture are likewise brilliant. Aficionados place offerings in silver and gold when their petitions to God are answered.The involved takes a shot at the primary entryway of the temple is a tribute to the fine craftsmanship of the artisans of those days. The foremost temple alongwith the circumambulatory way and external dividers is manufactured of red stone yet the fundamental entryway is fantastic and high and it is made of marble on which lovely cutting work has been finished. Infrornt of the inward temple marble has been carefully utilized. The whole floor of the temple is likewise of marble. Inside the internal temple the little hallowed place which is said to have been made 600 years back by Karni Mata herself is available. This altar the little one and it was manufactured with block and round stones.

Karni Mata's picture is put in the principle holy place. The goddess is seen holding a trishul (trident) and is constantly encompassed by rats. The picture is around 75 cm tall and is adorned with a delightful mukut (crown). Pictures of her sisters are set on the either sides of the primary picture. The goddess is welcomed with setting sacred things at her magnificent feet. Thousand of admirers visit the hallowed place by foot at the season of Navratri Utsav. The two noteworthy fairs at the place of worship are held amid the months of March-April and September-October consistently.

Rodent Worshipped

The temple has around twenty thousand rats in living arrangement, who are sustained by individuals from the amplified Depavats family - there are 513 Depavats families - and devotees to Karni Mata. Despite the fact that the vast majority of the temple devotees work at the temple in movements taking into account the lunar cycle, a few families live in the temple forever, dealing with the rats and clearing the floor of waste and sustenance morsels.

The rats, known as kabbas or little children,are encouraged grains, milk, and coconuts shells from substantial metal dishes. Water the rats drink from is viewed as blessed, and eating the rats' scraps is said to convey favorable luck to those making the journey to the temple.The devotees have another motivation to keep the rats sheltered and cheerful: According to the temple laws, if one of the rats is coincidentally executed, it must be supplanted with a rodent made of silver or gold.

Legend and stories

Karni mata was initially the wife of depoji Charan of the town of Sathika. On the other hand, she later communicated to her spouse her unwillingness to take part in wedding relations. He at first humored her, reasoning that she would yield in time. Rather than doing as such Karni orchestrated him to wed her own more youthful sister Gulab with the goal that he may have a legitimate hitched life. She herself stayed chaste all her life, with the simultaneousness and backing of her spouse.

Karni lived in her in-laws' town for around two years before leaving with her supporters and a crowd of dairy cattle to carry on with a traveling life, outdoors at dusk. One such camp was made at the town of Jangloo; however a worker of Rao Kanha, who was leader of the spot, denied them access to water for the general population and dairy animals. Karni Mata pronounced her adherent Rao Ridmal of Chandasar as new leader of the town and proceeded on her excursion. When she came to close Deshnok, Rao Kanha himself came to contradict her outdoors yet he died. Karni Mata quit meandering further, and settled there. Her spouse Depoji kicked the bucket in 1454.

In 1453, she gave her gift to Rao Jodha of Jodhpur for overcoming Ajmer, Merta and Mandor. In 1457 she went to Jodhpur at Rao Jodha's solicitation, to lay the foundation of the stronghold at Jodhpur.

Her first temple was developed in the town of Mathania amid her lifetime by her devotee Amara Charan. In 1472, she organized the marriage of Rao Bika, the fifth child of Rao Jodha, and Rang Kunwar, girl of Rao Shekha of Pungal, to turn the animosity of the Rathor and Bhatian families into fellowship. In 1485, she established the framework stone of the stronghold of Bikaner at the solicitation of Rao Bika. In 1538, Karniji went to visit the Maharaja of Jaisalmer. On 21 March of that year she was venturing out back to Deshnok with her stepson Poonjar and a couple of different adherents. They were close Gadiyala and Girirajsar of the Kolayat tehsil in Bikaner area when she approached the convoy to stop for water. She vanished there, allegedly at 151 years old years.

Death of Laxman

Legend has it that Laxman, Karni Mata's stepson (or the child of one of her storytellers), suffocated in a lake in Kapil Sarovar in Kolayat Tehsil while he was endeavoring to drink from it. Karni Mata entreated Yama, the divine force of death, to restore him. Initially can't, Yama in the long run yielded, allowing Laxman and all of Karni mata's male kids to be resurrected as rats.

The story behind rats at the temple is distinctive as indicated by some neighborhood fables. By variant, a 20,000 in number armed force forsook an adjacent fight and came racing to Deshnoke. After learning of the wrongdoing of renunciation, deserving of death, Karni Mata saved their lives however transformed them into rats, and offered the temple as a future spot to sit tight. The armed force of fighters communicated their appreciation and guaranteed to serve Karni Mata evermore.

Eating sustenance that has been snacked on by the rats is thought to be a high honor. If one of them is executed, it must be supplanted with one made of strong silver.

The Goddess Karna Mata was a part of the Charin family in her lifetime. She lived to be 150 years of age and stayed youthful and delightful. After her demise, she turned into a rodent. The devotees of the Charin trust that once beyond words, too will be resurrected as a rodent and in this manner, when a rodent kicks the bucket, it will be resurrected as a human once more.Thus the cycle proceeds,These sacred rodents are worshipped by their adherents as the Charin People trust that the rats are their progenitors.

On September twentieth, 1387 a child young lady was destined to a group of Charans in a town called Suvap in Jodhpur area. Her dad was known as Mehaji. Charans are the conventional song artists of Rajasthan however every state has its own particular one of a kind number vocalists who pass by various names. Their work was go from town to town singing the old anthems taken from the immense Indian legends, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.

Conception of Karniji

Mehaji's wife had brought forth six young ladies before she conceived Karniji. In those days the conception of a young lady was a pitiful occasion and when his wife conceived for the seventh time, the father was exceptionally restless that this one would be a child. In the eighth month he connected with two house keepers to take care of his wife and see to her sheltered conveyance yet even following ten months she hinted at no work!One of the house keepers was scared and fled however the second one remained.The folks were actually most stressed and did not comprehend what to do.

One night the mother had a clear dream in which the goddess Durga appeared to her grasping the trident. She educated her that she require not be anxious and that a segment of her brightness had as of now been considered in her womb and that she would be conceived at the twenty-first month with no issue. In spite of the fact that the folks were entirely bothered, there was not a lot they could do about this since it was the will of the goddess. Generally the Charans are admirers of Shakti, or the Divine Mother for the most part in her structure as Durga. Inevitably the infant was conceived on the seventh day of the splendid fortnight in the month of Aswin – Sept/Oct. She was called Ridhubai. It was just much later after she performed her first marvel that she was renamed, Karni.

Obviously the folks were very frustrated that the child was a young lady. The mother was most despondent since everybody who came to see the infant ridiculed at her at having brought forth seven young ladies. No one would bring any presents for a child young lady. One day Mehaji's sister came to see the child. She insulted her sister-in-law and thumped her on her head with twisted fingers. Everybody was stunned to see that her fingers stayed in that bowed position and declined to be fixed.

One day when Ridhubai was five years of age, her close relative deigned to bathe her. Guiltlessly the tyke scrutinized her about her bowed fingers. When she heard the story she took her close relative's hand in her own and tenderly stroked it. Shockingly the fingers straitened themselves and turned out to be entire once more. Everybody was dazed. Her auntie who had laughed at her mom now declared this was not a common youngster but rather an incarnation and renamed her, Karni. The mother now educated everybody regarding the magnificent vision she had of the goddess Durga amid the eighth month of her pregnancy.

Karniji performed numerous supernatural occurrences amid her adolescence. When her dad was nibbled by a cobra while returning home through the fields. When he didn't return by night his wife got to be on edge and sent individuals to look for him. They discovered his dead body in the fields and brought it home. Despite the fact that he was not breathing, they attempted distinctive home solutions for attempt and spare him yet nothing appeared to offer assistance. The young lady Karni was dozing in the yard and woke up listening to the commotions. When she saw her dad lying oblivious on the ground, she drew close to him and laid her hands on the spot where the snake had chomped him. At that point in a sweet puerile treble she requested that her dad wake up. To the amazement of each one of the individuals who had accumulated there, Mehaji quickly got up and was shocked when he was recounted the entire story.

Rao Shekha of Pugal (a chieftain), had heard numerous stories about the young lady's phenomenal powers and was covetous of meeting her. When he was running with an armed force for the fight to come when he met Karni setting off to the woodland with a lunch box for her dad. When he saw her, he got off from his steed and bowed low before her and requested her gifts in the coming fight. She gave her gifts however demanded that he was her visitor and he ought to share her feast. Sheka said doubtingly that his armed force involved around one hundred and fifty individuals and the little lunch box would barely suffice for them. She just grinned and solicited all from them to be situated and began serving them herself. Every one of them had a full supper of yogurt and chappathis and still the holder was not void. Everybody was dumbfounded and Rao Sheka fell at her feet and beseeched her to favor him. Obviously he was triumphant in his fight.

Marriage of Karniji

At the point when Karni happened to eligible age her dad was restless to get her wedded. She herself picked her groom and educated her dad that she would wed a man called Deepa who she knew not a symbol of Lord Shiva. The wedding function was led basically and the gathering set off for the lucky man's home. Soon they felt extremely parched however did not have enough water for all. Karni was being conveyed in a palanquin and Deepa was riding adjacent to her. He separated the draperies and asked her what they ought to do. She instructed him to look behind and there amazingly was a lake of clear water. While the orderlies were drinking their fill, he conveyed some water to the palanquin. Karni now demonstrated to him her structure as Durga, situated on a lion. He was normally astounded at the vision. She now recounted to him her story and after that continued her unique frame and acknowledged the water he had brought for her.

Rajasthan is a state on the very edge of the Thar Desert and water was dependably an issue. Karniji gave the gift of water to numerous towns in transit. She favored a town that their contracting admirably would dependably be full since they permitted her an offer of their small water for her dairy animals. At another town she transformed a pot of milk into ghee to the shock of the ladies.

They proceeded on their way and happened upon a Rajput spouse, sobbing alongside the dead body of her spouse. Karni ceased the escort and got out and approached the lady the explanation behind her melancholy. She answered that her spouse had been chomped by a noxious snake and now lay dead. Karni's heart was moved by the misery of the spouse. She went near the body and said, "Stand up Oh daring Rajput!" Immediately he got up as though from rest. He didn't recognize what had happened to him and when his wife clarified they both fell at Karni's feet and said thanks to her.

The temple location

Before long they came to another town where a craftsman, Anada asked for her to stay in his home amid the night. She agreed and stayed there. Before she exited his mom requested an aid for her child. She implored her for a mantra which would spare him from all threats. Karniji requesting that he recollect that her name when he was in peril and she would spare him. A few days after the fact Anada, having repaired the wood work inside a very much, continued to come up utilizing a cowhide rope. Before he came to the top, the cowhide rope broke and he felt himself falling into the well. He called out to Kanrniji in profound anguish and instantly saw a twofold headed snake coming and getting the two finishes of the rope, in this way permitting him to climb securely to the top. The snake vanished when he came to wellbeing. Anada left his town and moved to Deshnoke after Karniji settled there.

The gathering then left the town and Karniji reported that the spot where they would reach at sunset would be the spot which she would make her own. The Sri Karniji temple of today is just 2 kms from this spot. Next morning in the wake of draining the bovines, she drove a branch of the Khejari tree into the earth and began utilizing it as a column for stirring her curd. She sprinkled some curd on the dry branch which sprang into blossom with youthful and delicate clears out. This tree is still alive and developing.

The spot where she had chosen to dwell was brimming with grass and shrubberies and had been utilized as an eating ground for steeds. Karni chose that this was a decent place for her to settle down with her kin and bovines. The leader of that place was a shrewd man called Kanha. He requested his vassals to scatter the dairy animals and head out the gathering. They accompanied sticks and stones and ambushed Karni's gathering. She simply took a gander at them and said, "Escape you jackals!" Immediately every one of them transformed into jackals and kept running off wailing to the backwoods.

The following morning when she was doing her puja, Kanha came riding on an elephant. He manhandled her and requested her to get out. In the wake of completing her puja, Karni turned out and Kanha requested her to leave on the double. Karni answered that she would do as such in the event that he could stack her case on the truck. Kanha's men gave a valiant effort yet they couldn't move the container. The elephant was currently called yet even he couldn't move the crate an inch. However Kanha kept on undermining and mishandle at her. She drew a line on the ground with a stick and prohibited him to go too far on agony of death. Kanha insubordinately rode over the line on his steed however abruptly a lion showed up out of the blue and murdered him with a blow of his enormous paws. After that Karniji and her gathering kept on living left alone in that area which later came to be known as Deshnoke.

She entirely banned the cutting of trees and wood in and around the town with the exception of burial service purposes for cremation. Truth be told she is the precursor of the national parks of today. These fields gave eating ground to the general population and they could likewise win their job by picking natural products which were developing in plenitude. She likewise restricted the preparing of nation alcohol and the offering of meat. Indeed, even today you won't discover alcohol shops or butchers in this locale.

Encounters

Once when Karni went on a visit to Pugal, a couple of unpleasant dacoits came to Deshnoke and began ravaging and murdering. They caught the steers and murdered the boss cowherd called Dashrath. They likewise executed Karni's most loved bull. One of the young ladies then all of a sudden recalled Karniji and called to her to go to their guide. Karniji showed up instantly, grasping high up the trident, resembling a veritable Durga. She murdered the dacoits and liberated the dairy animals. She announced that when a temple would be fabricated for her, Dasrath's deity would be kept before it and an everlasting flame would be lit in his recognition. This is done right up 'til today.

As we probably am aware Rao Shekha of Pugal was an incredible aficionado of Karniji One day as he was sitting in his crowd chamber listening to verse being presented by celebrated writers there was an applaud of thunder and an electrical jolt streaked down in a crisscross right on top of Shekha's head. Simply then he felt as though Karniji was close to him and ensuring him with her sari which she tossed over his head. He could see only the gleam of her sari. Every one of the individuals who were remaining close him had seen the electrical jolt and couldn't trust that he was still alive. Obviously he was the special case who had the vision of Karniji. At Deshnoke, individuals saw Karniji remaining with her sari tossed like an umbrella towards the sky. After this episode Shekha used to go on the fourteenth day of the splendid fortnight of consistently to Deshnoke to offer worship to his goddess.

Her popularity spread and numerous individuals went to her to get her favors. Once a shipper who was her aficionado happened to be on the boat conveying stock to the neighboring islands, when a tempest struck and the boat was in threat of sinking. Promptly he recollected Karniji and implored her to spare him. She was draining a dairy animals around then when his call came. Her relative saw her raise her arm and extend it as though to catch somebody. She kept her arm in that position for a long time. When she pulled back her hand, her relative was amazed to see that her entire sleeve was trickling with salt water.

When one of the scions of that district called Rao Bika came to Karniji and requested her gifts to build up another fortification. He dwelled close to her and got her consistent exhortation and consolation in every one of his endeavors. She realized that he was on edge to fabricate a post so she picked the spot where it ought to be constructed and established the framework herself for the Bikaner fortification in 1542. Rao Bika introduced Karniji as the main goddess of the state for he immovably trusted that the condition of Bikaner was her blessing to him.

Once when Rao Shekha went ahead his month to month visit to Deshnoke, Karniji recommended that his little girl ought to wed Rao Bika. However Rao Sheka was hesitant to consent to this proposition. Karniji did not let out the slightest peep but rather not long after Shekha was captured on some charge or other and put in the slammer. His wife came crying to Karniji and beseeched her to spare her spouse. Karniji said that her spouse would be spared in the event that she consented to his girl wedding Rao Bika. The mother quickly concurred yet pondered with reference to who might give her little girl away in marriage since her spouse was in prison! Karni advised her not to stress. It is trusted that Karniji took the type of a kite and brought Sheka on her back and conveyed him to the marriage work and permitted him to give away the lady!

Camels were the main method for transport in Rajasthan in those days. Once a parade was going through the desert when one of the men in the gathering called Chough Bithu found that his camel had broken a leg. Whatever remains of the gathering were compelled to continue, abandoning Bithu. They guaranteed him that they would send another camel for him when they came to the following stop. Choughji began calling to Karniji to help him. All of a sudden she showed up and instructed him to get back on the camel that would convey him securely to Deshnoke. He climbed on to the camel who was remaining on all fours yet quickly after they came to Deshnoke the camel kicked the bucket. He was shocked to find that a slim iron bar had been embedded in the injured camel's foot. This iron was later taken out and made into a trident which is still to be found in Karniji's temple.

Once when Karniji was returning home from a visit to the neighboring town she found a sobbing young lady. Whenever scrutinized, the young lady said that she had hit a calf to attempt and drive it out of a field and the calf had kicked the bucket. The wrongdoing of murdering a dairy animals was just by the transgression of slaughtering a Brahmin and young lady expected that she would be excluded by the villagers and ousted. Karniji could never bear to see any lady in trouble so she laid her heavenly hands on the calf and instructed it to ascend. The calf bounced up and began searching around.

Karniji and Deepa had four children taking all things together. Four of the towns around Deshnoke have been named after them. After the conception of her children, she turned into a sannyasini and did not live with her spouse. One day the most youthful child, Lakhan went to the lake known as Kolayat to go to a reasonable. Shockingly he suffocated while swimming in the lake. His dead body was conveyed to Deshnoke on a bullock truck. Karniji took the body and kept it close to her in her sanctorum and shut the entryway for the entire night. In the morning her child restored.

The following day she put forth an odd expression to Yama, the divine force of death. "No descendent of mine ought to ever be taken by you!"

She announced, "Each descendent of mine should take a conception as a "kaaba" or mouse and stay in my temple. At the point when the mice kick the bucket they should be re-conceived as individuals from my crew. This will proceed for a great many generations and individuals will worship these mice as my relations and adore them and bolster them and they should get justify subsequently!"

From this time forward Karniji disallowed any of her relations ever to wash up in the pool of Kolayat. They take after this guideline right up 'til today and don't touch the waters of this lake. This is the account of why her temple is loaded with mice that keep running about innocuously. It is thought to be exceptionally fortunate to see a white mouse since that should be the goddess herself.

The Rawal Jaitsi of Jaisalmer was experiencing a tumor and chose to go to Deshnoke to get her gifts. When she knew about his tumor, she chose to go there herself and in this manner hinder his visit. She ran with her eldest child and coachman. The Rawal was significantly touched at her thoughtfulness in saving him the agony of the adventure. She touched the spot of the tumor with her blessed hands and cured it.

While giving back, her child and coachman detected a criticalness in her to achieve the town of Gadiyala. It was just when they came to that she let them know that she had chosen to surrender her physical body at that place. She was one hundred and fifty one years of age around then. She requested that her child go and get water for her from the lake and requested that the coachman pour the water over her body as she stayed sitting firm and straight in a thoughtful stance. The coachman poured the water over Karniji. Everybody who was available was awed by seeing an immaculate fire of light which left her body and spiraled up towards the sphere of the sun. This happened on the ninth day of the splendid fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March/April) in the year 1595.

Her child separated and began to sob wildly. At that point a voice talked from the sky. No mortal can get to be undying. The body needs incredible day or other. Try not to lament in this way. About-face to Deshnoke and you will discover a symbol cut by a visually impaired bricklayer who is dozing in my room, holding the icon under his head. That icon ought to be introduced in that sanctorum by you. Her child quit sobbing and set out to do his mom's wishes. He found the symbol as depicted by her and introduced it at the sanctorum on the fourteenth day of the splendid fortnight of Chaitra, five days after her Samadhi. This is the spot where the present temple of Sri Karniji is arranged. From that point onwards, the descendents of her four children have been persistently offering worship to her in that temple. This sanctorum where she used to direct her worship had been built by her. It was a round formed room made with huge stones which were held together with no bond, mud or water. She had brightened the roof and rooftop with wood from the jaal tree which is a delicate wood and not in the slightest degree sturdy however by her effortlessness the wood still exists in its perfect state with no indications of rot.

The fine marble work of the fundamental entryway was done amid the rule of Maharajah Ganga Singh. His pastor, Sethji connected with a bricklayer called Heerji to make the temple. Heeraji called his sibling and a celebrated bricklayer called Ganga Ram alongside numerous different artisans from his town and started the impressive undertaking. Every stone was laid with extraordinary accuracy and care. However the bricklayers dropped out and the work ceased and Heeraji left the spot with his laborers.

Sethji then called another well known artisan and appointed the work to him. Be that as it may, after some time this artisan additionally got confounded and left. In this manner it stayed deficient for a long time and Sethji kicked the bucket. At that point the previous Maharaja of Bikaner, Ganga Singh took up the work and got back to Heeraji again to come and complete the work. Heeraji was above seventy years around then and at first he declined however at the raja's request he came back with his more youthful sibling and began chip away at the temple once more. Following ten years of work the principle door of the temple was done. A great part of the work is still unfinished. Nobody knows why. Possibly it is the yearning of the goddess. However the marble work done by the Maharaja is entirely remarkable.

By, the rodent temple close Bikaner goes back to the 1400s, when Karni Mata, an incarnation of the god Durga, asked the passing god Yoma to resurrect the child of a lamenting storyteller.

At the point when passing declined to help, Karni Mata guaranteed that every single male storyteller - individuals from the Charan rank - would be resurrected as rats in her temple. When they kick the bucket as rats, they are yet again resurrected as individuals from the Depavats family, as Karni Mata's relatives are known.

While the causes of rodent worship in India about-face to the fifteenth century, the present temple, with its perplexing marble boards and strong silver carvings, was inherent the mid 1900s to respect Karni Mata and her textured, resurrected devotees.

There is a prevalent view that Karni Mata's stepson, Lakshman was attempting to drink water from a tank however he finished suffocating in his endeavor to extinguish his thirst. Karni Mata called upon Yama, the God of Death to breath life into Lakshman back yet Yama cannot. Karni Mata was tireless and Yama in the long run offered into her requests and permitted Lakshman and every male childre of Karni Mata to be resurrected as rats.

In the fourteenth century, Goddess Karni is said to have lived and performed numerous supernatural occurrences amid her presence. Karni Mata was a spiritualist, who drove a righteous life focused on the administration of poor people and the mistreated of all groups. The goddess is said to have established the framework of Deshnoke. According to the stories, once when her most youthful child suffocated, Goddess Karni solicited Yama (the god from death) to breath life into him back.

Master Yama answered that he couldn't give back her child's life. Hence, Karni Mata, being an incarnation of Goddess Durga, restored the life of her child. As of right now of time, she reported that her relatives would kick the bucket no more; actually they would incarnate as rats (kabas) and at last, these rats would return as the individuals from her crew. In Deshnok, there are around 600 families that attest to be the relatives of Karni Mata.

Takeoff from Sathika

Karniji inhabited her-in-laws' town for a long time just. In 1418 AD, she exited "Sathika" because of pointless question with the villagers. Being miserable, she cleared out for somewhere else with every one of the individuals from her family and crowd of dairy animals. She chose to camp just at the spot where she would reach at dusk.

On her way, she saw a recently married Rajput lady sobbing. A snake had nibbled her spouse and Karniji felt benevolent to that lady. She allowed life to her spouse. Amidst trip, Karniji came to town Jangloo. There was stand out well in the town and bovines of Karniji were parched. The hirelings of Rao Kanha, leader of Jangloo restricted her to draw water from the well as a result of its shortage. Karniji did not care of their restriction and told Rao Ridmal of Chandasar, who was going with her, to draw water with the assistance of his stallions. To the awe of the considerable number of individuals, adequate water was attracted to meet the prerequisites. Karniji there and after that proclaimed Rao Ridmal leader of that territory. She then continued her trip and when of dusk she came to close to the wilderness of Deshnoke.

Presently again an issue of question emerged in the middle of Karniji and the workers of Rao Kanha as the zone fell under him. Karniji at the end of the day, did not care of his hirelings' restriction. The hirelings grumbled to Rao Kanha. He solicited two from his officers to get the wilderness abandoned. Karniji attempted her best to appease the officers, however the officers amid their discussion with her, went past the cutoff points of kindness and offended her. Being irritated by their offending conduct she reviled them that their mouths will be similar to that of a jackal. Promptly their countenances transformed into that of a jackal. They came back to Rao and in the wake of listening to the story described by his men, he thought Karniji to be a wizard. He himself alongside his armed force went to her, manhandled her and requesting that her abandon the wilderness promptly.

Karniji, gently let him know that, "I have come here with the gifts of Goddess Awad Mata. The picture of Goddess is lying in that wooden box, in the event that you put the container in my chariot, I will leave from here immediately". Every one of the men of Rao attempted to lift the case separately and in addition all in all however couldn't succeed. Finally Rao Kanha himself attempted to do as such with the assistance of elephants yet fizzled. Amid the endeavors to lift the container one of the stands of the case broke. Karniji promptly commented that, Rao Kanha had finished his life compass. Rao Kanha being biased, as she had proclaimed Rao Ridmal, the leader of that range, thought her to be a wizard. He requesting that her foresee his passing. Karniji drew a line on the ground at a specific separation and let him know that, when he exceeds and goes too far he will pass on. Without a doubt the Rao kicked the bucket no sooner than he went too far.

This Box of Karni Mata containing the symbol of Goddess Awad Mata (whom Karniji worshiped amid her lifetime) is shortly arranged in Temre Rai Temple amidst Deshnoke city. Karniji made her perpetual living arrangement in the wilderness close Deshnoke, at a spot which is currently known as "Nehriji". When she started to dwell at Nehriji, she denoted certain regions around that place upto two kilometers in sweep. She then planted shrubs of red berries all around. These green brambles on one hand served as feed for the steers and on the other introduced fine characteristic view. To stir the curd a supporting stick was required to be tied-up with the iron ring. A rope was required to turn the device called "Zerna" which is a long stick of wood, having three to four prongs at its lower end, to agitate the curd. This stick is called "Nedi". For this reason, Karniji planted the stem of a tree to agitate the curd. This Nedi stick over the long haul turned into the tree of Khejri since drops of curd fell on the stick throughout stirring. This Khejri tree, which is in a matter of seconds inside the Nehriji Temple shockingly, contains the characteristics of curd noticeable on its bark While living at Nehriji, one day while she was draining her cows, she spared the boat of Jagdooshaha, her enthusiast by spreading one of her arms. Amazingly, her arm got wet with seawater, which so as to dry, she put under the layer of soil. At present, as a consequence of her then made a move, the first layer of Deshnoke soil contains saline water like seawater. Other than this she favored her devotees with numerous inexplicable deeds.

In 1443 AD her dad in law Keluji passed on. From that point she went to Deshnoke where her spouse Depaji kicked the bucket in 1454 AD. In Deshnoke she assembled a cottage formed cavern by putting stones on each other, without utilizing lime or sand. Its rooftop was made of Zal tree wood. She utilized the hole for reflection. The vast majority of her time was spent in it. In 1463 AD one of her stepsons named Laxmanraj went to Kolayat reasonable where he suffocated in a lake and kicked the bucket. His dead body was conveyed to Deshnoke. His mom Gulab Bai implored Karniji to concede his life. Karniji requested to keep the body inside the cavern. She shut its passage for everybody and stayed there for three days. On the fourth day Laxmanraj himself left the cavern. From that point forward, the rats, known as "Kabas" began to be conceived in the Deshnoke temple. There is an expression according to sonnets created by writers now and again, that when Karniji brought Laxmanraj from Yama's homestead, precluded Yama's part in era of her Depawat (falls under Charan Caste) and made her own particular law that any Depawat after death will be conceived as Kaba and Kaba would resurrection as Depawat. That is the reason the Kabas in Deshnoke temple are completely ensured and appreciated like her children.

Legend says that ruler Bhompal got guidelines from Goddess Kaila Devi to fabricated the temple for her as he was an incredible aficionado of Kaila Devi, he assembled this temple and from that point forward the spot has turned out to be sacred to the point that a great many individuals from great distances abroad come here for darshan. Later Maharaja Gopal Singh of Yadava faction fabricated a major and wonderful temple with arch whose summit was produced using gold. Maharaja Bhanwarpal manufactured numerous structures and the zone soon gained gigantic for its hallowedness and picturesque appeal. In the sanctum sanctorum, there are two symbols. The icon of Kaila Devi is marginally leaned back as the neck of the goddess is curve. The symbols are extremely old and they are made of the locally accessible stone.

Kaila Devi temple history goes back to the 1100 AD amid the standard of the Jadun Rajput rulers. The temple was committed as tutelary of the specific district. Tutelary importance the fundamental patroness of the district. Kaila Devi is revered as both Goddess Mahalaxmi that is the (Goddess of riches) and Goddess Kali the (Goddess of Destruction).The warnings that are set in and around the temple were planted by aficionados over the span of the eras. Till today aficionados who visit the temple puts their bhog alongside the banners in the temple.

The legacy town of Karauli is connected with numerous legends. It is a prevalent view that the regal condition of Karauli was established by Yaduvanshi Rajput Bijai Pal around 995 AD. It is trusted that he was 88th era of the Hindu god, Lord Krishna. Little is however thought about the early history of the crew.

Karni Mata Fair

Karni Mata Fair is held twice every year at Deshnok. The main and bigger reasonable is held in March - April amid the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi.The second reasonable is held in September - October, likewise amid the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi. Amid Navratri a large number of individuals go to the temple by foot.

It is a famous festival in India. It is a festival dedicated divine Karni Mata.Worshipping Karni Mata is regarded auspicious by the people of Deshnok. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Goddess posses supernatural powers. The festival is predominantly celebrated in Deshnok. It is celebrated twice a year. The Karni Mata Mela is a great attraction for tourists. The mela features a number of cultural and religious programs. On the first day of the mela, the temple opens at 4 am to offer puja to the Goddess. The statue of the Goddess is beautifully decorated with the golden crown. It is also decorated with expensive jewellery and garlands. The puja is followed by an aarti. The puja also includes offering Bhog and Prasad to the deity. Large number of tourists visit this fair as they get a close look of the rich religious traditions of the place. Moreover, the beautiful architecture of the temple is also a major draw for the tourists. Made of marble and other stones, the Karni Mata temple is a pretty sight. The statue of the deity, made of 75 cm of yellow marble, is also a beautiful sight.

Aarti Timings

Aarti Type	Summer Timing	Winter Timing
Mangala Aarti	Morning 4:30 AM	Morning 5:00 AM
Bhog Aarti	Morning 8:00 AM	Morning 8:00 AM
Shringar Aarti	Evening 3:45 PM	Evening 3:45 PM
Sandhya Aarti	Evening 7:00 PM	Evening 6:00 PM
Shayan Aarti	Night 9:00 PM	Night 9:00 PM

Temple Timings

Summer

• Opening Time - Morning 4:00 AM
• Closing Time - Night 9:00 PM

Winter

• Opening Time - Morning 5:00 AM
• Closing Time - Night 9:00 PM

Accommodation

There are a number of low budget hotels in deshnok to stay, also Bikaner provides a wide range of hotels options varying from high end heritage hotels to lower end budget accommodations. The city is dotted with several heritage hotels like Basant Vihar Palace (Heritage), Gajner Palace Hotel (Heritage), Hotel Lallgarh Palace (Heritage), Karni Bhawan Palace (Heritage) and Laxmi Niwas Palace (Heritage).

What to wear

Loose cotton clothes in summer, Use a hat or a scarf as a head covering to avoid heat strokes is recommended. Woolen clothes to keep you warm in winter.

Fee (If any)

• Admission is free.
• Camera / Video - Rs. 20 / 50.

Best Time To Visit

From October to March. It takes about an hour or two to visit. Deshnok is situated in the middle of the Thar desert and has a hot desert climate with very little rainfall and extreme temperatures. In summer temperatures can exceed 50 °C, and during the winter they may dip below freezing.

• Temperature in summer lie in the range of 28°C - 48.5 °C (82°F - 119 °F).
• Temperature in winter lie in the range of 5°C - 23.2 °C (41°C - 74 °F).
• Annual rainfall is in the range of 260 - 440 millimetres (10 - 17 in).

Rare facts

The temple contains a foot shaped impression to symbolize her visit to that place. For some reason, a lot of newly-wed couples also came to take the blessings of Karni Mata who is worshiped as the incarnation of the goddess Durga by her followers. If a single Rat is killed in the Karni Mata Temple, it must be replaced with a rat of similar weight and size, made of solid Gold or silver. Although there are 1000s of rats in this Rat Temple but This spot is free of Plague or some other infectious maladies. Even when any of these rats die, it never produces any sort of foul smell.  Among thousands of black rats, a few white rats also live here, who are considered to be supremely holy and manifestations of Karni Mata and here four sons. It is believed here that eating the food nibbled by the Rats brings Good Luck and High Honor to the worshippers.

The White Rat

It is viewed as fortunate to detect a white rodent and we figured out how to see one hasten around the grounds. I comprehend why it is so hard to spot one however, the moment it leaves concealing, crowds of voyagers and travelers pursue it to get an impression. It isn't much sooner than it keeps running once more into an opening in the divider.

Do's and Don’ts

Do not be afraid of rats and make sure to remove your shoes before entering the temple.

Nearby Places of Interest

The Shiv Bari Temple was built by Dungar Singhji in the late 19th century. An embattlement wall surrounds the temple. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva-Lingam. There are two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris.

The Sri Kolayatji Temple is a famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint).The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when the thousands of devotees gather in a large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat Lake (Kapil Sarovar) on the full moon day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivities. The small oasis town is now an ideal picnic spot.

The Nagnechiji Temple is situated in the southeast of Bikaner city, has a historical importance. The statue of 18 armed Goddess having different weapons in her arms was brought here from Jodhpur by Rao Bikaji.It was one of the 18 heirlooms which the founder king got after a confrontation with the then king of Jodhpur.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples is a beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji. Other important shrines of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Biharji, Shiv Bari and Nagnechiji temple. The Bhaironji temple at Kodamesar, about 40 kms from Bikaner is another popular site.

Laxminath Temple is erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans. Statues of deities Vishnu and Laxmi stand here. Rao Bikaji laid the foundation of Bikaner here in the year 1488 A.D. It being a historical monument has special identity.

Kolayat is a beautiful unfrequented town set around a temple - ringed lake. It is a very holy place with 52 ghats surroundings the holy lake. It has a Brahma temple like Pushkar. Kapil Muni Mela held during October- November, around at the same time as the Pushkar camel fair is worth experiencing. See the lovely Kapil Muni Temple at Kolayat. Very close to Deshnok is the mesmerizing city of Bikaner. Enjoy sojourning in the city of Rajputs and enjoy sightseeing at Junagarh Fort,Jain Temples, Lallgarh Palace, Laxminath Temple, and exciting Camel safaris.

Accessiblity

Airport

The nearest airport is Jodhpur 253km and Jaipur (330 km), the capital of Rajasthan. These two airports, Jodhpur Airport and Jaipur International Airport, are well connected with regular flights from all the metros cities of India.

Railways

Bikaner is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and Howrah.The nearest railway station to karni mata mandir is Kota Jn Train Station  which is 9 km away from Karni Mata Mandir. Another nearest railway station to karni mata temple is Bikaner Jn Train Station  which is 24 km away from Karni Mata Temple.

Some important train connections are,

• Kalka Express (Bikaner-Jodhpur)
• Bikaner Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner)
• Chetak Express (Delhi-Sarai Rohila-Bikaner)
• Bikaner Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohila-Bikaner)

Road

Deshnok is a 30 minute bus or taxi ride from Bikaner. Bikaner is about 450km from Delhi, 350km from Jaipur, 350km from Jodhpur. The condition of the road is good.

Temple Address

Karni Mata temple,
National Highway 89, Deshnok,
Rajasthan, India.