Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke

According to Rajasthan Tourism, Karni Mata was an ascetic of the Charan caste who lived in the fourteenth century and was believed by her followers to be a form of Durga. Tradition also credits her with laying the foundation stones of the forts at Bikaner and Jodhpur's Mehrangarh at the request of their rulers.

The temple's best-known legend concerns Laxman, Karni Mata's stepson, who drowned in the Kapil Sarovar at Kolayat. According to tradition, Karni Mata pleaded with Yama, the god of death, who finally agreed that Laxman and the other male children of her family would be reborn as rats. Devotees therefore regard the kabbas as members of Karni Mata's lineage rather than as vermin.

Food that the kabbas have nibbled is treated as blessed, and pilgrims bring milk and sweets for them. The few white rats are held to be especially sacred, as devotees believe they are Karni Mata and her sons; seeing one is considered auspicious. Harming a rat, even by accident, is regarded as a grave fault, and temple custom expects the person responsible to offer a rat made of gold in its place.

Rajasthan Tourism lists the temple as open daily from early morning (about 4 a.m.) until late evening, with no entry fee (checked October 2026); confirm before travelling. Visitors walk barefoot inside the precincts, where the kabbas move freely, so it is best to move slowly and take care not to step on them. Confirm current arrangements with the temple administration or Rajasthan Tourism before visiting.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.