"Have you ever heard of a temple where rats are considered sacred?"
The Karni Mata Festival is one of the most unique celebrations in India. It takes place at the Karni Mata Temple, built by Maharajah Ganga Singh in the early 20th century. The temple is home to over 25,000 rats, affectionately known as “Kabbas.” Devotees believe that the offerings partially eaten by these rats are sacred and bring good luck. It is believed that Karni Mata was born in 1387AD equivalent to 20 September 1378.
Legend has it that the rats were once soldiers who fled the battlefield. They were spared from death by Karni Mata and allowed to live as rats within the temple walls. Astonishingly, despite their large numbers, these rats never leave the temple.
The festival is held twice a year during Navratri, once in March or April and again in September or October. During this time, devotees gather to honor Karni Mata and seek her blessings. It is a celebration of faith, folklore, and the incredible relationship between humans and animals.
The temple was built in the 15th century for Goddess Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Maa Durga. It's known for its mix of old Rajput and Mughal-style architecture. When you visit, you can see the temple's detailed marble work and silver gates. People come here to see the rats, enjoy the temple's beauty, and learn about its history.
Karni Mata Festival 2024 Dates & Venue
Apart from the presence of these rats, the temple is also famous for the Karni Mata Festival aka Karni Mata Fair held twice a year during Navratri time that is during April-May and October-November; the one happening in the months between April and May being more extravagant and vivid. It takes place twice a year during Ashwin Shukla Ekam to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi and Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. There are no exact dates for the festival as it varies according to the traditional Hindu calendar. The festival is held at Deshnok near Bikaner.
History & Significance of Karni Mata Festival
Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, Bikaner, has immense religious significance. Popular as the “temple of rats”, this temple is home to 20,000 rats who are worshipped and revered by the devotees. These rats are also known as 'kabbas.' There are a few white rats amidst the majority population of black rats. Sighting of white rats is considered very auspicious. It is believed that people who get to see white rats can look forward to transforming their dreams into reality. The Karni Mata Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, immense devotion and reverence to Karni Mata. People from far and wide areas visit the temple during Navratri when the festival is held at the temple. They pay their respects to the deity and seek her blessings. Several folklore and legendary stories are associated with this temple. The significance of this temple is evident in the fact that it is visited by thousands of devotees every year, and the number is constantly increasing.
Major Attractions Of Karni Mata Fair 2024
1. A Joyous & Divine Affair
As this festival begins, the idol of Goddess Karni Mata is decorated with a golden crown, garlands, embellished clothes, and intricate jewellery. The gates of the temple are opened from 4:00 am for the devotees. After this, the priests perform all the ceremonial rituals and offer Bhog (Prasadam) to the deity. Due to its traditional and cultural significance, this fair attracts a considerable crowd from all across the country.
2. A Nice Blend of Religious & Cultural Programmes
This fair is organised by the local committee of the temple itself. Devotees especially come to the shrine and offer their prayers for fulfilling their wishes and leading a prosperous life. Besides the religious sentiments associated with the fair, one can also enjoy many cultural and religious programs.
3. Shopping for Trinkets and Pooja Material
The fair is also the best place to buy colourful trinkets to use as home decor or souvenirs. Several shops sell pooja samagri that devotees love to buy for their home temples. Some of the major things available in the shops are diyas, agarbatti, mata ki chunri, and more.
How To Reach Deshnok, Bikaner
Deshnok, Bikaner, is easily accessible by major modes of transportation. The roads are well-metalled and easy to access. Here are the travel details on how you can reach here by the following means of public transportation and attend the Karni Mata Mela in Bikaner.
- Nearest Major City. Jodhpur
- Nearest Major Airbase. Jodhpur Airport
- Nearest Railhead. Bikaner Junction
- Distance from Bikaner. 30.7 km via Bikaner
By Air
Deboard at Jodhpur Airport (JDH) situated at an approximate distance of 200-250 km. The airport is well routed with nearby cities and states with overall good flight connectivity. Once off your flight, take any local public transport available like a cab and travel to your desired location.
- Distance From Jodhpur Airport. 216 Km
By Train
If planning to travel via train then you can consider deboarding at Lalgarh Railway Station (LGH) or Bikaner Junction (BKN) located at an approximate distance of 32 and 30 km respectively. Both the stations are well connected from nearby cities and states. Here is how you can reach here from the following places.
- Distance From Bikaner Junction. 29.5 Km
- Distance From Lalgarh Railway Station. 32.7 Km
By Road
Depending upon your geographical location, that is to say, if you are residing in any nearby regions then planning a road trip to Bikaner can be a fairly good option. State-run buses/ private buses are easily available from nearby towns and cities at fairly affordable prices. You can also consider traveling via your own vehicle or hiring a private cab as well.
- Distance From Gwalior. 674 km via NH11
- Distance From Indore. 791 km via NH52
- Distance From Bhopal. 815 km via NH52
- Distance from Jaipur. 363.3 Km
- Distance from Jodhpur. 221.3 Km
- Distance from Kota. 439.5 Km
- Distance from Ajmer. 237.8 Km
- Distance from Jaisalmer. 343.6 Km
- Distance from Delhi. 451 Km
- Distance from Mumbai. 1219 Km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1894 Km
Conclusion
Visiting Bikaner and the Karni Mata Temple is a unique experience. It's not just about seeing rats in a temple but also about experiencing a different part of Indian culture and tradition. This place shows how people in India respect all forms of life, making it a really interesting spot for tourists.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Karni Mata Festival 2024
Q1: What is the Karni Mata Festival?
A1: The Karni Mata Festival is an annual religious event held in honor of Karni Mata, a revered Hindu goddess. The festival takes place at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, which is famously known as the "Rat Temple" due to its unique population of rats, believed to be sacred and a symbol of the goddess’s protection.
Q2: When is the Karni Mata Festival celebrated in 2024?
A2: The Karni Mata Festival in 2024 will be celebrated twice a year, during the Navratri periods in March and October. The exact dates are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, with the spring festival usually falling in late March and the autumn festival in early October.
Q3: Where is the Karni Mata Temple located?
A3: The Karni Mata Temple is located in the small town of Deshnoke, about 30 kilometers from Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan, India. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Karni Mata and attracts thousands of visitors during the festival.
Q4: Why is the Karni Mata Temple also known as the “Rat Temple”?
A4: The Karni Mata Temple is called the “Rat Temple” because it is home to over 25,000 black rats, which are considered sacred. These rats, known as “kabas,” are believed to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata’s devotees, and feeding or spotting a white rat is considered extremely auspicious.
Q5: What are the main rituals performed during the Karni Mata Festival?
A5: The main rituals include offering food and milk to the sacred rats, lighting lamps, singing devotional songs, and performing aarti (a ceremonial prayer ritual). Devotees also participate in special prayers and offer prasad (food offerings) to seek blessings and protection from Karni Mata.
Q6: What is the significance of Karni Mata in Hindu mythology?
A6: Karni Mata is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. According to legend, she performed many miracles during her lifetime and is worshiped as the goddess of power and victory. The rats in the temple are thought to represent her devotees, and harming them is strictly prohibited.
Q7: How can visitors participate in the Karni Mata Festival?
A7: Visitors can participate by offering food and milk to the rats, walking barefoot inside the temple as a mark of respect, and joining the aarti ceremonies. Photography is allowed in most parts of the temple, making it a popular attraction for both devotees and tourists.
Q8: What precautions should be taken when visiting the Karni Mata Temple during the festival?
A8: When visiting the temple, it’s important to walk carefully to avoid stepping on the rats. Wearing socks instead of shoes is advised to maintain the sanctity of the temple. Visitors should also avoid sudden movements that might scare the rats and should respect temple rules and customs.
Q9: What accommodation options are available for tourists during the Karni Mata Festival?
A9: Deshnoke has limited accommodation options, so visitors often stay in nearby Bikaner, which offers a range of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. It’s recommended to book accommodations in advance, as the festival period attracts a large number of visitors.
Q10: What other attractions can visitors explore near the Karni Mata Temple?
A10: Nearby attractions include the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and the National Research Centre on Camels in Bikaner. Visitors can also explore local markets, sample traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and experience the vibrant culture and history of the region.
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