Karni Mata Temple: Rat Worship for Good Luck?

April 28, 2025 6 minutes Posted by - vegas11

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Karni Mata Temple, with a Google Map rating of 4.7 and 30,000 reviews, is renowned as a temple of good fortune!

But is this "Rat Temple" really as magical as they say?

Let me take you inside this stunning and sacred temple, where you can snap endless photos, attract boundless good luck, and even interact with the revered temple rats!

The Faith of India – Karni Mata Temple

Located in Deshnoke, near Bikaner in Rajasthan, Karni Mata Temple is famously known as the "Rat Temple."

Around 70%-80% of the visitors are local pilgrims, while 20%-30% are international and domestic tourists.

This temple is home to over 25,000 rats that roam freely throughout. Locals believe these rats are sacred, and they’re never chased away.

If a rat happens to run across your feet, or if you're lucky enough to spot a rare white rat, it means good fortune is heading your way! According to legend, this is a blessing directly from Karni Mata herself 🐀🐁.

Construction Timeline of Karni Mata Temple

The original structure of the temple dates back to around 1530, shortly after Karni Mata’s passing. Over the following centuries, her devotees continued to expand and enhance the temple.

The grand architecture we see today was primarily completed in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, featuring a stunning Rajput-style design.

Karni Mata Temple Ticket Price & Visiting Hours

The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Locals usually visit during the early morning prayers (around 4:00 AM) or during religious festivals, which are the peak times for ceremonies and rituals.
Tourists usually prefer to visit during the daytime (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to avoid the crowds and often combine it with other sightseeing spots around Rajasthan.

Karni Mata Temple – Ticket Information

Entry to the temple is free. However, if you want to take photos inside, you may be expected to give a small tip.

Karni Mata Temple – Recommended Dress Code

Avoid wearing clothes that are too short or revealing. It's best to cover your shoulders and knees.

You must remove your shoes before entering the temple, but you’re allowed to wear socks if you prefer to keep your feet clean.

Karni Mata Temple – Guided Tours

Yes, you can tip a local who speaks English to guide you around the temple.

The Story of Karni Mata and the Rats 🐭

In 14th-century Rajasthan, a saintess named Karni, born in 1387. She is believed to be an incarnation of Durga, the Hindu goddess of power and victory.

One day, Karni Mata’s adopted son accidentally drowned while drinking water by a river. Heartbroken, Karni Mata pleaded with Yama, the god of death in Hindu mythology, to bring her son back to life. However, Yama refused her request.

Karni Mata refused to give up, she continued to pray with unwavering determination. Eventually, she moved Yama with her devotion, and he agreed to bring her son — and other members of her family — back to life, but in a different form: as rats.

These sacred rats, known as "Kabas," are not to be harmed or driven away. Instead, devotees lovingly feed them milk, rice, sweets, and other offerings.

What if you accidentally step on a rat in the temple?

You can offer some food as a form of apology to the rat.

If you accidentally kill a rat, it is customary to donate a small silver or gold rat statue as compensation.

Can you pet the rats in the temple?

You can get close to the rats, but it’s not recommended to touch them directly. Touching them might scare them, and there’s also a potential risk of them carrying diseases.

Can you feed the rats?

Yes! You’re welcome to bring small offerings like grains, sweets, or milk to feed the rats.

What does it mean if you see a white rat in the temple?

Spotting a rare white rat is considered a very lucky sign.

It’s believed to be a reincarnation of Karni Mata herself, and a blessing for those who see it.

Karni Mata Temple – Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

Visiting Karni Mata Temple isn’t just about photographing the beautiful architecture or seeing a sea of rats — there are plenty of meaningful and fascinating ways to interact during your visit:

Feeding the Rats: Bring some grains, milk, sweets, or candy — the rats are living their best lives, and feeding them is said to score you major good karma points. Win-win.
Interacting with the Rats: If a rat comes up to you or runs over your feet, don’t freak out — it’s actually a huge blessing. Locals say it’s Karni Mata’s way of giving you some serious good vibes.
The White Rat Challenge: Feeling lucky? Try spotting the rare white rat among thousands of gray ones. If you find it, it’s basically the universe telling you, "You’re the chosen one."
Tasting the Holy Offering (Prasad): Yes, people do eat food the rats have nibbled on — it’s part of the experience. They believe it’s blessed by Karni Mata and can even bring good health. Kinda wild, but kinda iconic too.
Admiring the Architecture: Aside from the rats, the temple is actually gorgeous. Think detailed marble work, silver doors, and carvings that tell the whole Karni Mata legend. Definitely a vibe for your photo dump.
Festival Celebrations: If you wanna see the temple at its peak, hit it during festival season (March–April or September–October). It’s a full-on celebration — music, crowds, energy — 10/10 vibes.

Important Things to Know Before Visiting Karni Mata Temple!

Since the temple is full of freely roaming rats, here are a few things you need to keep in mind during your visit:

Do not chase or step on the rats — it’s considered extremely disrespectful to the temple’s beliefs.
Avoid touching the rats and try to keep a respectful distance to prevent any bites.
Do not use flash when taking photos, as it can scare the rats.
If you're unsure whether you can take photos or enter a certain area, always ask first.
Keep your voice down and avoid running inside the temple.
Never attempt to catch or take a rat home — absolutely forbidden.

Is Karni Mata Temple Your Vibe?

Karni Mata Temple is iconic and all, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re ticking these boxes, though, you’re gonna love it:

🐭 You’re cool with animals — maybe even think they’re adorable:
If seeing a bunch of rats running around doesn’t send you screaming, and you lowkey think it’s kinda cute, this place is gonna be right up your alley.
🙏 You’re curious about different cultures and religions:
If you love diving into unique traditions and aren’t afraid to experience something totally out of your comfort zone, Karni Mata Temple is 100% worth it.
🧘 You’re looking for some chill, spiritual vibes:
Surprisingly, the temple feels super peaceful. Even with thousands of rats around, it’s more "mystical calm" than "chaotic zoo."
📸 You’re all about capturing iconic travel moments:
Let’s be honest — your IG is begging for content like this. Epic pics, crazy stories, and a flex you’ll be talking about forever.

Heads up: If you’re majorly scared of rats, super sensitive about hygiene, or get weirded out by religious spaces, maybe sit this one out.

But if you’re down to open your mind and vibe with the energy, visiting Karni Mata Temple might just be one of the most unforgettable things you ever do.

💡

Also, probs don’t bring kids under 12 — it’s just too much chaos waiting to happen.