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What would you do if someone asked you to remove your footwear and walk through a temple where thousands of rats roam freely around your feet?
For many travellers visiting Rajasthan for the first time, the Rat Temple of India is one of the most surprising places they will ever experience. Officially known as Karni Mata Temple, this remarkable shrine in the small town of Deshnoke, near Bikaner, is home to thousands of rats that are not feared or chased away but lovingly protected, fed, and worshipped by devotees.
When we visited the temple in January 2023, we were curious, just like most first-time visitors. Seeing thousands of rats running across the temple courtyard, climbing over railings, gathering around bowls of milk, and moving freely among devotees was certainly an unforgettable sight. However, as we spent more time inside the temple and learned about its history and beliefs, we realised that this was far more than a tourist attraction. It is a living place of worship where centuries-old traditions continue to be followed with deep faith and devotion.
Where is the Rat Temple of India?
The Rat Temple of India, or Karni Mata Temple, is located in Deshnoke, approximately 30 kilometres south of Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Because of its proximity to Bikaner, most travellers visit the temple as a half-day excursion while exploring the city.
The temple is well connected by road, and reaching it is relatively straightforward.
Nearest Airport: Bikaner Airport (limited flights) or Jodhpur International Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: Deshnoke Railway Station (around 1 km away) or Bikaner Junction.
If you’re travelling through Rajasthan by road, the temple can easily be included in your itinerary between Bikaner and Jodhpur.
Location Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nSAHPi5wqnW7MH2U9
The History Behind Karni Mata Temple
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered Hindu spiritual leader believed by many devotees to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She lived during the 14th and 15th centuries and played an important role in the history of Rajasthan, particularly among the Charan community.
The present temple, built largely from beautiful marble, was patronised by the rulers of Bikaner over several centuries. Intricately carved marble walls, silver doors, and elegant craftsmanship make the temple impressive even before visitors notice its most unusual residents.
Despite its architectural beauty, it is the thousands of rats living peacefully inside the temple that have made Karni Mata Temple internationally famous.
Did You Know?
Many visitors come to Karni Mata Temple expecting to see only a handful of rats. Instead, they are often surprised to find more than 50,000 sacred rats, affectionately known as Kabas, living within the temple complex.
Why Are Rats Worshipped at the Rat Temple of India?
The question every visitor asks after entering the Rat Temple of India is simple: Why are there so many rats here, and why are they treated with such reverence?
The answer lies in the centuries-old beliefs associated with Karni Mata. According to local legend, Karni Mata once requested Yama, the Hindu God of Death, to restore the life of a young boy from her family. When this was refused, she declared that her descendants would no longer pass through Yama’s realm. Instead, they would be reborn as Kabas—the sacred rats that live within the temple—and later be reincarnated again as humans.
Because of this belief, the rats are not regarded as ordinary animals. Devotees consider them members of Karni Mata’s extended spiritual family and treat them with extraordinary care and respect. Throughout the day, visitors can see bowls of milk, grains, sweets, and other food placed around the temple for the rats. Rather than chasing them away, people patiently wait for the animals to finish eating before moving around the temple.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Rat Temple of India is the complete harmony between devotees and the rats. Thousands of people walk barefoot through the temple every day, carefully watching their steps to avoid accidentally harming any of the animals. In fact, accidentally killing a rat is considered highly inauspicious, and tradition holds that the person should offer a rat made of silver or gold as a symbolic replacement.
Did You Know?
Among the tens of thousands of black rats living inside Karni Mata Temple, thousands of white rats are considered especially sacred. Many devotees consider spotting one of these rare white rats to be a sign of good fortune and blessings from Karni Mata. It’s common to see visitors patiently waiting and quietly searching in the hope of catching a glimpse of one.
Our Experience at the Rat Temple of India
When we visited the Rat Temple of India in January 2023, the first thing we noticed wasn’t the architecture—it was the movement. Everywhere we looked, rats were scurrying across the marble floor, climbing along railings, gathering around food bowls, and moving comfortably among the devotees.
Like many first-time visitors, we were initially cautious. Walking barefoot while constantly watching where to place each step was an entirely new experience. However, as the minutes passed, we realised that the atmosphere inside the temple was remarkably calm. The rats appeared completely accustomed to human presence, while devotees treated them with remarkable patience and affection.
One of the most memorable sights was watching people lovingly feed the rats with grains, sweets, and milk. Children stood alongside elderly devotees, all participating in rituals that have been followed here for generations. Some visitors quietly offered prayers, while others simply observed the unique relationship between humans and animals that defines this remarkable temple.
For us, the visit gradually became less about the rats themselves and more about understanding the faith behind the tradition. Whether or not one shares the religious beliefs associated with Karni Mata, witnessing such deep reverence for living creatures offers an opportunity to appreciate a cultural practice that is unlike anything else in India.
As we left the temple, we realised that what had initially seemed unusual had transformed into one of the most thought-provoking experiences of our Rajasthan journey. The Rat Temple of India is not a place people visit merely to see thousands of rats—it is a place where centuries-old beliefs continue to shape the daily lives of thousands of devotees.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Rat Temple of India
Visiting the Rat Temple of India is unlike visiting most temples in the country, so it’s worth knowing a few things before you arrive.
The first thing visitors should be prepared for is that everyone must remove their footwear before entering the temple premises. Since thousands of sacred rats roam freely throughout the complex, you’ll be walking barefoot alongside them. While this may feel unusual at first, most visitors quickly become accustomed to the experience.
Photography is generally allowed in most parts of the temple, making it a fascinating place for travel photographers. However, always be respectful of devotees who have come here to worship, and avoid interrupting religious rituals for photographs.
As with any active place of worship, modest clothing is recommended. Visitors are also encouraged to maintain silence inside the temple and respect local customs and traditions.
Although thousands of rats live within the temple, the premises are cleaned regularly by the temple authorities. Even so, if you’re uncomfortable around rodents or have specific health concerns, it’s worth considering whether this experience is suitable for you. For most visitors, however, curiosity soon replaces hesitation as they begin to understand the cultural significance of the temple.
Best Time to Visit the Rat Temple of India
The most pleasant time to visit the Rat Temple of India is between October and March, when Rajasthan experiences cooler weather that’s ideal for sightseeing. We visited in January 2023, and the comfortable temperatures made it easy to explore both the temple and the surrounding region.
If possible, plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon. These hours are generally more comfortable, the light is better for photography, and the temple often feels less crowded than during the middle of the day.
Many devotees also visit the temple during Navratri, when special prayers and celebrations take place. While the atmosphere becomes especially vibrant during this period, expect significantly larger crowds.
How to Reach the Rat Temple of India
The Rat Temple of India is located in Deshnoke, about 30 kilometres from Bikaner, making it an easy day trip for anyone exploring northern Rajasthan.
If you’re travelling by road, taxis and private vehicles are the most convenient options from Bikaner. The drive usually takes around 40 to 45 minutes on well-maintained roads.
Deshnoke also has its own railway station with trains connecting it to Bikaner and other cities in Rajasthan. For travellers arriving by air, Jodhpur Airport offers the best connectivity, while Bikaner Airport operates a limited number of flights.
Many travellers include Karni Mata Temple as part of a Rajasthan itinerary covering Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, making it an easy addition without requiring a major detour.
Rajasthan is often celebrated for its magnificent forts, royal palaces, colourful markets, and vast desert landscapes. Yet hidden among these famous attractions is one of India’s most extraordinary cultural experiences—the Rat Temple of India. At Karni Mata Temple, thousands of sacred rats live peacefully alongside devotees, reflecting a centuries-old belief that continues to be honoured with remarkable respect and devotion.
Our visit in January 2023 reminded us that travel is often about much more than visiting famous landmarks. Sometimes, it’s about stepping into unfamiliar traditions, observing them with curiosity, and leaving with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human beliefs and cultures. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or simply a traveller looking for experiences beyond the ordinary, the Rat Temple of India deserves a place on your Rajasthan itinerary. It is, without doubt, one of the country’s most fascinating and unforgettable places to visit.
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