Rat Temple in India – Complete Travel Guide to Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan

The famous temple with rats in India is situated in Deshnoke, a small town 30 km from Bikaner in Rajasthan.

This temple is located adjacent to the Thar Desert yet bounded by rustic terrains and friendly emotions.

Deshnoke belongs to the Thar Desert area, but although the town isn’t very big or populated, it is always full of life because of this temple.

Deshnoke also provides the best opportunity to get a glimpse of rural Rajasthani culture as well. Its streets are narrow, homes colourful, markets local, and it is here that the desert state’s true charm hits you!

The town has turned into a mecca for spiritual seekers, photographers and inquisitive minds that want a look at the less explored spiritual destinations of India.

Its unusual environment also makes it a superb environment for immersive cultural exploration.

The lane is lined with small food stalls, dhabas, and shops selling souvenirs which serve Rajasthani food.

Tourists can also communicate with local artisans, who make complex crafts amply representing the region’s colourful history.

It’s not about visiting the temple, it’s about immersing yourself in the life and tales of the people who surround it.

Best Time to Visit

Make your trip between October and March.

Winter is the best season because the desert heat is a possibility during summer.

The weather is nice during these months, if you are planning to roam around Bikaner, too.

Navratri is the height of the festival spree, the entire temple is decorated and exuberated with ecstatic devotion.

Don’t go during May or June – the mercury can rise to 45°C or more.

How to Reach

To reach the Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, your best option is to get to Bikaner first.

Here’s how:

By Train: There are many means of communication to Bikaner from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

From Bikaner: There are local cabs or auto rickshaws to Deshnoke.

By Air: The closest one is at Jodhpur, about 250 km.

For the Delhi train or bus, overnight is best if you are one from Delhi.

Even what you could even rent a car and enjoy the scenic desert drive.

The origin of this temple with rats in India lies in an ancient legend that’s still deeply believed by locals.

Karni Mata History

Karni Mata was a 14th-century female saint; she was believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Her son, according to the legend, died suddenly.

Karni Mata pleaded Yama (the God of Death) to bring him back.

Yama refused.

Therefore, with her divine powers, Karni Mata brought her son back to life by reincarnating him as a rat.

Since that day, she would say that all her followers were to be reborn as rats, and when they die while being rats, they shall be reborn as humans in a cycle of purity.

That’s why these rats are not in fact pests—they are known, supposedly, as devotees.

The Kabbas – Sacred Rats

Temple rats are adoringly called “Kabbas”.

They go about freely, climb over feet and nibble at offerings and sometimes sit on shoulders.

None are trapped or harmed.

In fact, if you accidentally stepped on a rat, then you must donate a silver, or gold rat to the temple.

It is believed to cleanse your sins.

The Golden Rat Legend

In these thousands of rats, if you are lucky, there may be a white rat.

These very rare rats were believed to be manifestations of Karni Mata her- self or her relatives.

Observing one is thought to bring enormous blessings and good fortune.

Your first look at the Karni Mata Temple will likely leave you speechless.

The architecture is using Mughal and Rajput styles, carved into details, exquisite designs, and a grand entrance.

You will see marble flooring and silver door decorations from the Maharaja of Bikaner.

But the most unique part?

Rats are everywhere.

They roam freely in the courtyard, drink from huge bowls of milk, and dash along walls and trip over people’s feet.

Rituals and Aarti

The temple opens and closes between 4 AM to 10 PM daily.

The most holy times are morning and evening aarti.

Priests chant with rituals to honour Karni Mata and bless the devotees.

There will also be numerous people who are willing to give grains, sweets and milk to the rats.

Even some eat nibbled food by rats as “prasad”, being blessed.

Travel Tip

Take off your shoes entering—in fact, even with rats on the floor.

You can wear a sock on your foot if you feel uncomfortable.

But remember: These animals are tame around humans.

There is no point in being frightened; they won’t do you any harm.

Such a temple is not unique in India – it’s world-famous for some good reasons.

Here are some jaw-dropping facts about the Bikaner rat temple:

• As many as 25,000 rats inhabit the temple.
• These rats are never poisoned or removed.
• Despite their force, there has never been a disease outbreak.
• Many devotees eat rats' nibbled food, hallow, purifying.
• The temple hires people daily to take care of the rats by feeding, cleaning and protecting them.
• Rats can be found sleeping peacefully, playing in groups or drinking from common bowls.

The Karni Mata Temple Rajasthan breaks every rule we associate with hygiene and cleanliness—and yet, it runs with spiritual harmony.

To the faithful, this is not a strange place. It is a place blessed with miracles, energy and full of blessings.

Many families go there to seek protection, to solve problems, or to fulfil vows made to an idol of Karni Mata.

Spiritual experience is great – many feel a divine presence. But for tourists, this is one of the weirdest temples in India.

It’s weird, shocking, but unbelievably interesting.

Photography Tips

• It is possible, but flash should be discouraged in the temple.
• Do not take photos in rituals or aarti.
• Take your creativity out and use: overhead shots, shots of the rats feeding, or the temple’s silver gate.
• Be respectful; this is not a zoo as they would refer to it—it is a temple of faith.

Good plans help make a smooth visit.

Here are some essential tips before heading to the temple with rats in India:

There is an advantage in wearing socks; they will improve comfort and hygiene.

If a rat runs over your foot, don’t panic; it’s a blessing.

Avoid stepping on them. If you do offer, then penance must be made through the temples.

Panic in a small bathroom here in the town# Bring wet wipes or hand sanitiser for after your visit.

Appreciate going early morning or evening: rats are more active, light is softer for photographs.

Respect local customs. Try not to make loud talking, laughing or screaming.

If your mind is not used to experiencing this type of experience, that’s absolutely fine, just breathe and take it all in.

This is India at its most fascinating.

Once you've explored Karni Mata Temple, there’s still more to see in Bikaner.

Enhance your trip by including the following attractions near your destination in your itinerary.

Junagarh Fort

A Great Fort at the heart of Bikaner, the Architecture is amazing, has museums and weapon displays.

The fort is well cared for and provides you with a glimpse of Rajasthan’s royal past.

National Research Centre on Camel

A one-of-a-kind camel breeding centre.

Learn the variety of camel breeds, enjoy a ride, and even try the camel’s milk ice cream!

Great place for families and animal lovers.

Jain Temples

There are some lovely old Jain temples with fantastic carvings in Bikaner and an inviting atmosphere.

Ideal for art, history and meditation lovers.

So, why visit the rat temple in India?

Because it disagrees with your notions of normal.

It’s because it’s where faith conquers fear.

For such an unusual, spiritual and unforgettable sight, there is no place on earth.

The Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan is more than just a destination—it’s a conversation starter, a story to tell, and for many, a miracle in stone and fur.

Whether you come seeking blessings or simply to explore one of the weirdest temples in India, this journey will stay with you forever.

Pack your socks, your curiosity, and a heart open and full of love.

The Bikaner rat temple is waiting—25,000 sacred rats and all.