Karni Mata Temple is located at
Deshnok, in
Bikaner District,
Rajasthan. This stone and marble temple is also known as Madh. The temple enshrines a 75 cm high image of Karni Mata adorned with a mukut (tiara) and garlands. The image is accompanied by the images of the deities sisters and the sisters of Avad Mata.
It is believed that Maharaja Ganga Singh built this temple in the early 20 century. Built in Mughal style, the temple has colonnades, balconies and beautiful doorways. The chamber sanctorum of the temple represent Karni Mata as Goddess Durga.
It is a tradition of the Rajputs to bring their children in the temple on their first hair cut and place them at the Goddess’s feet for blessing. Charan priests perform Mangla-Ki-Aart and offer special food as worship.
Most noteworthy feature of the temple is the legion of brown rats roaming about in large numbers in the temple. Rats are considered auspicious and devotees make offerings to the rats.
Karni Mata Fair, celebrated here twice a year, is a major draw. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratri while the second fair is held in September-October.
Deshnok, is connected by road and rail with Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur and Jaipur. There are regular buses from Bikaner to Deshnok.
