Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok
The
Karni Mata temple, 30 kms from Bikaner, is dedicated to an early fifteenth century
mystic who was considered to be a reincarnation of goddess Durga.
The
specially of the temple is that it is inhabited by legions of brown rats which
scurry around the complex without aby fear. The rats are believed to be respositories
of the souls of dead charans, the traditional bards.
Devotees offer milk,
grains and sweets to these rats during the time to aarti. There are so many rats
on the floor that people have to watch where they step. Sighting a while mouse
is considered auspicious. It is believed that the Maharaja of Bikaner had a vision
in which the goddess asked him to protect the rats and for this reason, there
is bronze wiremesh across the temple.
Bikaner's ruler Ganga Singh had
the whole temple built in marble. The domes of the temple are made of silver and
gold. The manadap and the panels above the image are also golden. Devotees place
offerings in silver and gold when their prayers are answered.
The elaborate
works on the main gate of the temple is a tribute to the fine craftsmanship of
the artisans of those days. On the occasion of Navratri, this temple hosts a fair
which attracts hordes of pilgrims from places far the near.
" Karni Mata Temple - Deshnok, Rajasthan
Pilgrim Places Reservation Form "
Sanctuaries