Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
Karni Mata (as Manshapurna Karni Mata) temple · Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
The Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple stands on the Machla Magra hills near Doodh Talai Lake in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan. It enshrines a stone image of Karni Mata, a revered woman sage of western Rajasthan whom devotees regard as a form of the goddess Durga. Incredible India, the Government of India's tourism portal, describes it as overlooking the city.
The temple is popular with both pilgrims and sightseers because of the hilltop views over Udaipur and its lakes. Visitors can climb up by a footpath or ride the ropeway that runs up from the Doodh Talai side, which Wikipedia describes as the first ropeway in Rajasthan.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
Karni Mata is remembered as a warrior sage who lived in western Rajasthan, and Incredible India dates her life to between the 14th and 16th centuries. She is known by several names, including Bhagwati Karniji Maharaj, Mehaai, Jagdamba and Kiniyani, and was the family deity of the royal houses of Bikaner and Jodhpur. Incredible India notes that devotees remember her for compassion, an ascetic life and commitment to non-violence.
Devotees make simple offerings here. Incredible India notes that colourful red chunari cloths are tied along the temple railings as offerings, and that peacock feathers (mor pankh) are placed beside the image of the goddess.
The Udaipur temple is distinct from the famous Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke near Bikaner, which is known for the many rats that live in it. Incredible India points out the difference. A 2025 feature in The CSR Journal reports the temple priest's account that white rats are also regarded as sacred at the Udaipur shrine, but the hilltop temple is mainly known for its setting and views.
Heritage
History of Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
According to Incredible India, the temple was built by Maharana Karan Singh of Mewar between 1620 and 1628, at a time when residential areas were growing up around the hill. The CSR Journal quotes the temple's priest as saying that the shrine was founded with a sacred flame (jot) brought from Bikaner, linked to the Maharana's marriage into the Bikaner royal family, in the hope that Karni Mata would protect Mewar as devotees believed she protected Bikaner and Jodhpur. These are traditional accounts; no inscription or archaeological record was found in the sources consulted.
In more recent times the hill has been developed for visitors. Wikipedia records that the ropeway to the temple starts from Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park, a garden on a neighbouring hillock developed by the Urban Improvement Trust, Udaipur, and that the ride takes about four minutes.
Architecture and sacred features
Incredible India describes intricately carved white pillars inside the shrine. A Shiva linga stands just outside the main entrance, flanked by two painted lions. The stone image of Karni Mata is housed in the sanctum, with peacock feathers placed beside it.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The path up the hill involves a steady climb, so wear comfortable footwear and carry water, and remove footwear before entering the shrine. Dress modestly, as at any active temple. Ropeway services and temple hours can change, so confirm current timings and arrangements locally in Udaipur before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Location
How to Reach Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
The temple is on Machla Magra hill above Doodh Talai, close to the centre of Udaipur. Wikipedia gives the distance as about 4 km from Udaipur City railway station and the city bus depot, and about 24 km from Udaipur's airport. Incredible India names Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) and Udaipur City railway station (UDZ) as the nearest airport and station.
From Doodh Talai, visitors can either walk up the hill or take the ropeway from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park. Wikipedia notes that vehicles cannot enter the hill boundary, so the final approach is on foot or by ropeway.
Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nearest airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (about 24 km, per Wikipedia)
Nearest railway station: Udaipur City (about 4 km, per Wikipedia)
More in Hindu temples in Rajasthan · Karni Mata (as Manshapurna Karni Mata) temples · Temples in Girwa Tehsil · Temples in Udaipur District
Questions
Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur the same as the rat temple at Deshnoke?
No. The Udaipur temple is on Machla Magra hill in Udaipur city. The famous rat temple is at Deshnoke near Bikaner, a separate shrine to the same goddess.
Who built the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur?
Incredible India records that Maharana Karan Singh of Mewar built it between 1620 and 1628.
How do I reach the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur?
Go to Doodh Talai, then either climb the hill on foot or take the ropeway from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park. Vehicles cannot go up the hill.
Who was Karni Mata?
A revered warrior sage of western Rajasthan, regarded by devotees as a form of Durga and venerated as the family deity of the royal houses of Bikaner and Jodhpur.
How far is the Karni Mata Temple from Udaipur railway station?
About 4 km from Udaipur City railway station, according to Wikipedia.
Sources and attribution
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) — Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata
- The CSR Journal (Hindi) — उदयपुर का 450 साल पुराना मंदिर, जहां से 360° में दिखता है पूरा मेवाड़ (Anju Singh, 30 Sep 2025)
- Wikipedia — Karni Mata, Udaipur
- Wikipedia — Doodh Talai Lake
Further reading: Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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