Information of Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Karni Mata or Karniji, who was a female Hindu sage, born in the Charan caste is basically prayed as the incarnation of Maa Durga by the followers. She is considered to be the official Goddess of the royal family belonging to Jodhpur as well as Bikaner. Karni Mata is also known as Nari Bai. The temple is well known for its black rats and treated as holy. They are offered due protection within the temple premises. According to some of the reports it is said that the temple is not devoted to Jainism. It has been found that in another temple that has been dedicated to her does not have any kind of image but rather has a footstep in order to represent her visit in that particular place. Once you reach the temple, you do not need any kind of instructions as the mind, body and soul are occupied in the complete bliss of the present moment.

Karni Mata Temple Religious Significance

There are white and black rats in the temple which is considered as holy and it is believed that feeding them shall bring good fortune. It is also believed that by worshipping Karni Mata during morning as well as evening, the wishes of the devotees tends to be fulfilled and it also adds to the long life. It is said that Karni Mata returned life of her dead son and he reincarnated as rat. Since then, all her relatives take birth as rat after they die and thus live together as family.

Karni Mata Temple Mythology & History

As per the legend, it is said that Karni Mata was the consort of Kipoji Charan belonging to the village of Sathika. However, after some time she denied her husband to involve herself in any matrimonial relations. He initially thought that she would change her mind with the pace of time. However, instead of doing so she arranged her younger sister for Kipoji Charan to marry him so that he can enjoy a married life. She remained celibate all through her life with the support of her husband. Her first temple was built in the village of Mathania in her existence by her disciple named as Amara Charan. In order to end the hatred between the Rathor and Bhatian families, she arranged marriage of Rao Bika who was the fifth son of Rao Jodha as well as rang Kunwar who was the daughter of Rao Shekha belonging to Pungal. In the year 1538, there was a meeting held between Karniji and the King of Jaiselmer. On that particular year, she travelled back to Deshnok with Poonjar and other disciples. When they approached Kolayat tehsil, she asked the caravan to stop in order to drink water where she disappeared. It is said that between 1620 to the year 1628, a residential area near Machla Magra was developed in order to enhance the safety of Udaipur. It was during that period the temple of Karni Mata was constructed. Although for number of year the temple was isolated, it was in the year 1997 when Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Development Committee reconstructed it.

Karni Mata Temple Architectural Significance

The temple is located on top of the Machla Hill just near the Deendayal Upadhyay Park. Since the temple is situated in great height, you can get the panoramic view of Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Sajjangarh Fort and Dudh Talai Park. The temple can be reached either by staircase that begins from Manikyalal Verma Park or through ropeway that has been initiated in the year 2008.