Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner

these rats, and consequently they must be protected and well fed. The main entrance of the temple is intricately carved in marble. Karni Mata laid the foundation of Deshnoke and her principal followers, Charans as well as the rulers of Bikaner worshipped her as a goddess.

The Rajasthan government's main aim is to develop it as a first league developed state where its people get ample opportunities to achieve economic prosperity and enjoy a high quality of life. It has taken firm and effective steps to ensure the consistent all round development. Besides always taking an investor-friendly approach, the state has aimed at creating a very positive environment for progress of industry. Such efforts have secured an important place for Rajasthan, among the forward-looking states in the country.

History of the Karni Mata Temple
The story of the temple is that a woman brought the body of her recently dead son to Karni Mata and asked her to restore the boy to life. Karni Mata fell into a deep trance and encountered Yamaraja, the lord of death. But he told her that the boy had already accepted another body and could not be recalled. Karni refused to accept this and said that Yamaraja would no longer govern her tribe of Charans. At death they would enter the bodies of kabas, or sacred rats, and when the rats died they would be reborn as Charans.

Festivals in Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata fair is held twice a year at Deshnoke in the month of Vaishakha (April to May) and Kartika (October to November). The devotees came to Deshnoke to worship goddess Durga and her incarnations. The Rajputs also bring their children on jadula (their first hair cut) and place them at the deity's feet for blessing.

How to reach Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata temple is connected by rail and road with Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur and Jaipur and regular buses ply on these routes.