Rat Temple of Deshnok is a famous home for 20,000 rats. Dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, the temple is one of the best attraction around Bikaner.
Karni Mata temple of Deshnok is built by Maharaja Ganga singh of Bikaner. The goddess is an official deity of Bikaner and Jodhpur royal families. Built in Mughal style, the grand entrance of the temple if decorated with silver covering and designing.
Legends of the Rat Temple
An army of 20,000 soldiers came to Deshnok after deserting in a nearby battle. Learning about their sin of desertion, soldiers decided to serve the mother goddess. Karni Mata spared their life in the form of rats who are still serving the goddess.
Another legend talks about Karni Mata’s step son Lakshman. While drinking water from a pond, Lakshman drowned. Karni Mata resisted death god Yama from taking his life. Yama spared Lakshman’s life along with the other sons of the goddess in the form of Rats.
Deshok is 30 kms away from Bikaner. The town provides basic accommodation and food facilities. One should explore the temple and get blessed with the darshan of the goddess.