Karni Matha Temple Latest News
A recent viral video has once again brought global attention to one of India's most unusual temples - the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the 'Rat Temple' of Rajasthan.
About Karni Matha Temple
- Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Madh Deshnoke, is a prominent Hindu shrine located in the town of Deshnoke, 30 km south of Bikaner, in Rajasthan.
- The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, who the locals believe is an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
- Karni Mata was a Hindu warrior sage from the Charan caste who lived in the fourteenth century.Â
- Living the life of an ascetic, Karni Mata was highly revered by the locals and earned many followers too.Â
- Having received requests from the Maharajas of Jodhpur and Bikaner, she even laid the foundation stones of the Mehrangarh and Bikaner Forts.
- Although there are many temples dedicated to her, this temple in the town of Deshnoke is the most widely recognized.
- It is also known as the Temple of Rats.
- It is home to over 20,000 revered rats, called kaba, making it one of the most unique spiritual landmarks in India.
- Out of all the rats, white rats are held specifically sacred as they are believed to be the incarnations of Karni Mata and her sons.
- Architecture:
- The present structure of the Karni Mata Temple was completed in the early 20th century under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.Â
- Built entirely of marble, the temple's design bears Mughal architectural influences.Â
- Its silver doors are intricately carved with scenes from the goddess's legends, while the sanctum houses a 75-centimetre idol of Karni Mata holding a trident and adorned with a silver crown and garlands.
Source: NDTV
Karni Mata Temple FAQs
Q1: Where is the Karni Mata Temple located?
Ans: Deshnoke, near Bikaner, Rajasthan
Q2: Karni Mata is known to have laid the foundation stones of which famous forts?
Ans: Mehrangarh Fort and Bikaner Fort
Q3: What is the Karni Mata Temple popularly known as?
Ans: Temple of Rats
Q4: Under which ruler was the present structure of Karni Mata Temple completed?
Ans: The present structure of the Karni Mata Temple was completed in the early 20th century under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.