This is about 30km from Bikaner. This 600 year old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata is believed to be the incarnation of Hindu goddess Durga .The peculiarity of this temple is that thousands of rats are worshipped here. So it is also called Rat Temple. Karni Mata was endowed with divine powers. The daughter of Meha Ji Kiniya, Karni Ji incarnated on 28th Sep.,1387 at Suvap Village in Tehsil Phalodi of Jodhpur District.She was marrid to depaji.The present deshnoke was founded by her on Baisakh Sudi Dwitiya Samvat 1476. Karni Ji developed the area into a sanctury and anyone seeking asylum in this area was put to no harm. People accused of crime used to come here and adop sanity to get themselves absolved of their sins. Karni mata witnessed the accession to royal thrones by three consecutive generations of rulers Rao Ridmal , Rao Jodha and Rao Bika. She was instrumental in enabling those three kings to get the reins of power . Rao Bika beseeched her blessings and founded a new empire in 1488A.D. The royal family of Bikaner always held Karniji in great esteem. The 'Garbh Griha' of deshnoke temple was founded by Karniji herself . The marble construction was completed in the time of Maharaja Ganga Singhji with superb architectural and artistic designs. People from far and wide come to pay religious tribute to shri karni mata. Throughout the year there's an influx of pilgrims. |
