Karni Mata Temple Booking 2026: Darshan Guide, Timings, Prices and Offerings

Located in the small town of Deshnoke, about 30 kilometers south of Bikaner in Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple is one of India’s most unique and spiritually significant pilgrimage sites . Known globally as the “Rat Temple,” this 600-year-old shrine is dedicated to Karni Mata, a 14th-century female Hindu sage believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga .

What makes this temple truly extraordinary is its resident population of over 25,000 rats, known as “kabbas,” which are considered sacred and treated as reincarnated devotees of the goddess . According to legend, when Karni Mata’s stepson drowned, she implored Yama, the god of death, to revive him. When refused, she declared that her followers would never be taken by Yama—instead, they would be reborn as rats within the temple and later reincarnated as humans again . This belief has made the temple a place where devotees and rats coexist peacefully, sharing food, space, and blessings.

The temple attracts not only pilgrims seeking blessings but also curious tourists from around the world. Its stunning marble architecture, silver gates, and the extraordinary sight of thousands of rats freely roaming the sanctum make it a truly unforgettable destination .

Karni Mata Temple Overview Table

Karni Mata Temple Darshan Timings 2026

The temple opens early in the morning and remains accessible to devotees until late evening, with no afternoon break. Based on multiple sources, here are the confirmed timings for 2026 :

Important Notes:

• The temple is open every day of the week with no weekly off
• Early morning (4:00 AM – 7:00 AM) is the most peaceful time for darshan with fewer crowds
• Evenings (after 6:00 PM) also offer a serene experience
• The temple remains open continuously without an afternoon closure—the “break” listed in some guides refers to reduced crowd flow, not temple closure

Karni Mata Temple Entry Rules and Important Guidelines

Footwear Policy

• No footwear is allowed inside the temple premises
• It is recommended to keep your feet covered with socks for hygiene and comfort

Sacred Rats (Kabbas) Etiquette

• Do not disturb or harm the rats—they are considered holy and stepping on one is considered unlucky
• If you accidentally step on and kill a rat, temple rules state you must replace it with a rat made of solid silver or gold
• The rats are friendly and accustomed to human interaction—they may climb on your feet or lap, which is considered a blessing
• Feeding the rats is considered an auspicious act that brings prosperity

White Rats – A Special Blessing

• Among the thousands of rats, there are a few white rats which are considered especially holy
• White rats are believed to be manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four nephews
• Sighting a white rat is considered extremely auspicious and brings good fortune

Photography Guidelines

• Photography is allowed in certain areas of the temple
• Always be respectful—avoid using flash inside the sanctum
• Some sources indicate restrictions in specific areas; check with temple staff

Hygiene and Health

• Carry a hand sanitizer for use after your visit
• Despite the unusual inhabitants, the temple is well-maintained and clean
• The rats are cared for by temple staff and are healthy

Dress Code

• Traditional and formal clothing is recommended as a mark of respect
• Modest attire is appropriate for this sacred site

Temple Architecture and Highlights

The Karni Mata Temple is a stunning example of Rajput architecture, with several notable features :

The Sacred Rats: Legend and Significance

The Legend of Karni Mata and the Rats

According to local legend, Karni Mata’s stepson Lakshman drowned in the Kapil Sarovar tank while bathing . Karni Mata’s younger sister pleaded with her to bring the boy back to life. Karni Mata went to Yama, the god of death, and demanded that Lakshman be revived. When Yama refused, Karni Mata declared: “My family will not come to Yama anymore. Wherever I live, they will live. When they die, they will stay with me” .

She then decreed that when her followers (the Charan community) die, they would be reborn as rats (kabbas) to live near her within the temple, and when the rats die, they would be reborn as human Charanas again . This unique belief distinguishes Charan transmigration from general Hindu understanding of reincarnation.

The Sacred Rats Today

• Population: Over 25,000 rats reside within the temple complex
• Diet: The rats are fed various offerings including laddu, nuts, coconut, sugar crystals, milk, roti, grains, fruits, vegetables, and even liquor
• Care: Charan workers care for the rats as kin, considering them to be their own ancestors
• Behavior: The rats are accustomed to humans and may eat from visitors’ hands or sit on their laps

How to Reach Karni Mata Temple

By Road (Most Common)

• Best Option: Hire a private taxi or cab from Bikaner
• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and buses also available

By Train

• Nearest Station: Deshnoke Railway Station (just 1 km from the temple)
• Several trains connect Deshnoke with Bikaner and Jodhpur

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Bikaner Airport (Nal Airport) – approximately 40 km away
• Alternatively, Jodhpur Airport (about 250 km) serves as a major hub

Exact Address: Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Bikaner, Rajasthan – 334801

Nearby Attractions to Explore

Combine your visit to Karni Mata Temple with these nearby attractions :

Accommodation Options Near Karni Mata Temple

The temple itself does not provide on-site accommodation, but several options are available in Bikaner and Deshnoke:

Booking Tip: Book accommodation in advance during Navratri festival periods (March-April and September-October) as crowds are massive.

Karni Mata Fair and Festivals 2026

The temple hosts two major fairs (Navratras) annually, attracting thousands of pilgrims :

During the Fairs:

• Special pujas and aartis are performed
• Thousands of devotees walk to the temple barefoot
• The temple remains open with extended hours
• Massive crowds—plan accordingly

Important Tips for Visitors

Do’s

• Keep your feet covered with socks as footwear is not allowed
• Walk carefully to avoid stepping on the rats
• Carry hand sanitizer for after your visit
• Visit early morning (4:00 AM – 7:00 AM) for a peaceful darshan
• Respect local beliefs and customs
• Feed the rats if you wish—it’s considered auspicious

Don’ts

• Don’t disturb or harm the rats—they are considered holy
• Don’t wear footwear inside the temple premises
• Don’t bring large bags or unnecessary items
• Don’t use flash photography near the sanctum
• Don’t visit during peak afternoon hours in summer (May-June) due to extreme heat

Special Note on White Rats

If you’re fortunate enough to spot a white rat among the thousands, consider yourself especially blessed. It is believed to bring great fortune and is considered a manifestation of Karni Mata herself .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the Karni Mata Temple darshan timings for 2026?

A: The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There is no afternoon closure; the temple remains open throughout the day .

Q2: Is there an entry fee for Karni Mata Temple?

A: No, entry to the temple is completely free for all devotees .

Q3: Why are rats worshipped at Karni Mata Temple?

A: According to legend, Karni Mata declared that her followers would be reborn as rats within the temple after death, and then reincarnated as humans again. The rats are considered to be the souls of her devotees .

Q4: How many rats are there in the temple?

A: Over 25,000 rats reside in the temple complex .

Q5: What is special about white rats?

A: White rats are considered especially holy and are believed to be manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four nephews. Spotting one is considered extremely auspicious .

Q6: Can I take photographs inside the temple?

A: Yes, photography is allowed in certain areas of the temple. Always be respectful and avoid using flash inside the sanctum .

Q7: How far is Karni Mata Temple from Bikaner?

A: The temple is approximately 30 km from Bikaner, about a 45-50 minute drive .

Q8: What is the best time to visit Karni Mata Temple?

A: The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Early morning (4:00 AM – 7:00 AM) offers the most peaceful darshan .

Q9: What happens if I accidentally step on a rat?

A: If you accidentally kill a rat, temple rules state you must replace it with a rat made of solid silver or gold . However, devotees are very careful to avoid this.

Q10: Can tourists visit Karni Mata Temple?

A: Yes, the temple is open to all visitors—both pilgrims and tourists—who come with respect .

Q11: What is the dress code for the temple?

A: Traditional and formal clothing is recommended as a mark of respect . Modest attire is appropriate.

Q12: Is the temple safe for people with rodent phobia?

A: If you have a strong fear of rats, this temple may be challenging. The rats are everywhere—on the floors, in corners, and sometimes climbing on devotees. Consider whether this experience aligns with your comfort level.

Q13: What is the railway station near the temple?

A: Deshnoke Railway Station is just 1 km from the temple and connected to Bikaner and Jodhpur .

Q14: Are there any food options at the temple?

A: Prasad (including sweets and halwa) is available at the temple. The rats also have their own feeding areas with various food offerings .

Q15: Is there a ropeway or special transport to the temple?

A: Note: There is a separate Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur that has a ropeway. The Deshnoke/Bikaner temple described here does not have a ropeway—it is a ground-level temple easily accessible by road .

Temple Contact Information