Deshnok

Deshnok is famous for the temple of Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Famed as the rat temple, as rats and mice are worshipped, it is one of India's most fascinating temples that draws devotees from all over the world. The temple houses as many as 25,000 rats who are known as Kaabas. It is considered highly auspicious to have a white Kaaba run across your feet as they are believed to be the sons of Karni Mata. Around 600 families of the Charan clan claim to be the descendants of Karni Mata and believe that they will be reincarnated as rats.

Deshnok

Kolayat

Kolayat is one of the most visited religious sites in Rajasthan that is famed for the holy Kolayat Lake. There are several temples near the lake but the most famous of them is the Kapil Muni Temple. Legend has it that Kapil Muni, the advocate of Shankya Yoga, was smitten with Kolayat's peaceful vibe and carried out a penance for the improvement of the world. The place even finds a mention in the holy scriptures of Hindus as Kapilayatan. After visiting the temple, tourists can relax at the peaceful ghats of the tranquil lake and catch a beautiful sunset or visit the nearby bustling market and shop for local handicrafts of Bikaner. The town is also famous for hosting the annual Kolayat Fair during Kartik Purnima, which draws devotees and tourists from all parts of the country. The best experience one can take during the fair is attending the evening event, Deep Malika, when devotees float earthen lamps in the sacred lake as a ritual. Kolayat is situated at a distance of 50 km from Bikaner and can be easily reached using private and public transport.

Kolayat

Karni Mata mandir

Famed as the rat temple, Karni Mata Mandir draws devotees and tourists from far and wide. The much revered temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple houses as many as 25,000 rats who are known as Kaabas. It is considered highly auspicious to have a white Kaaba run across your feet as they are believed to be the sons of Karni Mata. Around 600 families of the Charan clan claim to be the descendents of Karni Mata and believe that they will be reincarnated as rats. Karni mata is also the Kul Devi of Bikaner's royal family. She lived in the 14th century and performed many miracles. One of the popular legends associated with the temple is that when Laxmana, the stepson of Karni Mata drowned in the Kapil Sarovar while attempting to drink water, Karni Mata prayed to Yama Raj ( the God Of Death ) so ardently that he not only brought back Laxmana to life but reincarnated all her sons in the form of rats. It's interesting to note that these rats don't spread any kind of stink like rats usually do and they have never been the cause for spreading any disease either. Eating food that has been nibbled on by the rats, is in fact considered auspicious. In front of the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors. The building was completed in its current form in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Don't forget to make a wish in the lion's ears at the main gate before you leave the temple complex. Tourists can also visit the recently built Karni Mata Panorama located on the way back to Bikaner from Deshnok. The museum depicts the stories of Karni Mata through beautiful sculptures, paintings and tableaus.

Karni Mata mandir