KARNI MATA TEMPLE

A very special place of pilgrimage, it is also called the temple of Rats. Indeed, the innumerable rodents of this sanctuary dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga, are the object of a particular religious attention. They would be the reincarnation of a caste of local musicians, the Charan, resuscitated by the holy hermit, Karni Mata. This 15th century seer promised these desert troubadours that they would no longer experience the anguish of the realm of the dead, but would be reincarnated directly into sacred rats after the decay of their human bodies. She also predicted to the founding ruler of Bikaner, Rao Bika, that he would succeed in overcoming the opposition of the local tribes... Which of course did not fail to happen in a short time.

More than the architecture of the temple, it is its atmosphere that is worth the trip. Fed by the faithful, the rats abound and are harmless. As the place is quite dark, be careful not to crush any... it would be a bad omen. On the other hand, rejoice if you see the white rat of the sanctuary: it is a sign of material or spiritual blessing. To improve your karma, you too can offer sweets and treats to these residents by buying from one of the many stalls at the entrance of the temple. A visit to Deshnok reveals a friendly and relaxed aspect of Hinduism. Two major festivals are celebrated annually for 9 nights, the first in March-April and the second in September-October on the occasion of Dusserah.