Located about 30 km south of Bikaner in Rajasthan, Deshnok Temple, famously known as the Karni Mata Temple, is one of the most unique and spiritually significant temples in India. Revered for its association with thousands of sacred rats (kabbas), the temple attracts devotees, pilgrims, and curious travelers from across the world. Visiting Deshnok Temple by car is the most comfortable and convenient way to experience this sacred destination, especially for families and senior travelers.
Introduction to Deshnok (Karni Mata) Temple
Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the temple is a blend of faith, mystery, and architectural beauty. What makes it truly extraordinary is the presence of over 20,000 rats that freely roam the temple premises and are considered holy.
For devotees, a visit to Deshnok is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.
Why Visit Deshnok Temple by Car
Traveling to Deshnok Temple by car offers several advantages:
Smooth and well-maintained roads from Bikaner
Flexibility to travel at your own paceComfort for families and elderly devotees
Opportunity to explore nearby attractions
The drive itself is pleasant, passing through open landscapes and rural Rajasthan, adding to the spiritual calm of the journey.
Route and Driving Experience
The road journey from Bikaner to Deshnok takes around 45–60 minutes. The route is straightforward, mostly via NH routes, with clear signage guiding travelers to the temple. Roads are generally smooth, making it ideal for private cars and taxis.
Parking facilities are available near the temple complex, making the visit hassle-free for car travelers.
Temple Architecture and Entrance
The temple’s architecture is striking and elegant. Built primarily with marble and silver, the temple features intricately carved doors, pillars, and sanctums. The silver gates depict stories from Karni Mata’s life and various Hindu legends.
As you enter the temple barefoot, the first thing you notice is the movement of sacred rats. Devotees consider it auspicious if a rat crosses their path or even climbs onto their feet.
The Sacred Rats: Faith and Belief
The sacred rats, known as kabbas, are believed to be reincarnated followers of Karni Mata. According to legend, Karni Mata requested Yama, the god of death, to revive a devotee’s son. When refused, she declared that her followers would no longer go to Yama’s realm but would be reborn as rats and later as humans.
Spotting a white rat among the black ones is considered extremely lucky and a sign of divine blessing.
Rituals and Darshan Experience
Devotees perform various rituals at Deshnok Temple, including:
Offering sweets and grains to the rats
Lighting lamps and incensePerforming aarti
Seeking blessings for family well-being
The atmosphere inside the temple is deeply spiritual and peaceful, despite the constant movement of devotees and sacred animals.
Best Time to Visit Deshnok Temple
The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be very hot, especially during daytime.
Early mornings and evenings are ideal for darshan, as the temple is less crowded and temperatures are comfortable.
Festivals and Special Occasions
During Navratri, Deshnok Temple witnesses grand celebrations, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple is beautifully decorated, and special prayers and processions are organized.
Visiting during festivals offers a deeper cultural and spiritual experience but requires patience due to larger crowds.
Facilities for Devotees
The temple complex provides basic facilities for visitors, including:
Drinking water
WashroomsShoe storage areas
Small shops selling prasad and souvenirs
Nearby eateries and dhabas offer simple vegetarian meals suitable for pilgrims.
Nearby Attractions to Explore by Car
A car trip to Deshnok Temple can be combined with other attractions around Bikaner, such as:
Junagarh Fort – a magnificent royal fort
Lalgarh Palace – a blend of Rajput and European architectureBikaner Old City – markets and heritage streets
Camel Research Centre – unique to the region
These destinations add more value to your spiritual road trip.
Travel Tips for a Comfortable Visit
Walk carefully inside the temple to avoid stepping on rats
Avoid leather items inside the temple premisesMaintain cleanliness and respect temple rules
Carry water, especially in summer
Prefer morning visits for a peaceful experience
Ideal for Family and Pilgrimage Tours
Deshnok Temple is suitable for family visits, pilgrimage tours, and cultural travelers. Children often find the experience fascinating, while elders appreciate the spiritual depth of the place.
Traveling by car ensures comfort, privacy, and flexibility, making the journey smooth and memorable.
No comments:
Post a Comment