Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan
Photo: SPD2025, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Karni Mata Temple Timings

Karni Mata Temple: 4:00 AM onwards; until around 10:00 PM.

Karni Mata (a 14th-century sage revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga) · Deshnoke, Rajasthan

Free entryMedium confidence
Darshan hours (as published)
4:00 AM onwards · until around 10:00 PM
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Karni Mata Temple, in Deshnoke in Rajasthan, is dedicated to Karni Mata (a 14th-century sage revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga). It is also known as The Rat Temple; Temple of Rats.

Renowned worldwide for the thousands of rats (called kaaba) that live in the temple and are considered sacred, believed to be reincarnated devotees and children of Karni Mata. Spotting a rare white rat is considered highly auspicious, and prasad nibbled by the rats is regarded as blessed. The temple was established in the late 14th century in Deshnoke and is dedicated to Karni Mata.

Rajasthan carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Desert-state temples of devotion and marble artistry, from the rare Brahma shrine at Pushkar to the haveli worship of Shrinathji and the lace-like Jain carvings of Dilwara.

Darshan hours and daily worship

SessionTiming (as published)
Morning4:00 AM onwards
Eveninguntil around 10:00 PM

Sources vary: one lists the temple as open 4:00 AM-10:00 PM daily, another as 5:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00 PM-9:00 PM. Mangala Aarti is around 4:30 AM and Sandhya Aarti around 7:00 PM. Confirm current hours locally.

Poojas and daily rituals

Mangala Aarti around 4:30 AM and Sandhya (evening) Aarti around 7:00 PM

Weekly or monthly auspicious daysNavratri days are the most significant
Signature annual eventsThe two annual Navratri fairs at Deshnoke

Festivals and special-day timings

Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.

FestivalPeriodWhat happens
Navratri FairsMarch-April and September-OctoberGrand fairs are held twice a year during Navratri, drawing large numbers of devotees.

History and architecture

Built or establishedEstablished in the late 14th century; the ornate marble structure was developed under the patronage of the rulers of Bikaner

Architecture

Built of marble with grand gates decorated with silver inlay; intricately carved interiors

History

The temple was established in the late 14th century in Deshnoke and is dedicated to Karni Mata. It is culturally central to the local Rajput and Charan communities. Over the centuries it was expanded and adorned with marble, silver and carvings under royal and merchant patronage, and the kings of Bikaner are credited with building the magnificent shrine.

Planning your visit

Entry feeFree; donations accepted (a small charge may apply for camera/phone deposit)
Dress codeModest clothing recommended; shoes must be removed before entering and leather items should be removed as they are considered impure. Walk carefully as rats move around the floor.
Best time to visitOctober to March for comfortable weather; early morning or late evening on weekdays to avoid heat and crowds
NearbyBikaner attractions including Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace and the National Research Centre on Camel

How to reach

Deshnoke is about 30 km south of Bikaner. Deshnoke Railway Station (on the Bikaner-Jodhpur line) is about 1-2 km away. Nearest airport is Nal Airport, Bikaner (about 30 km); regular buses and taxis run from Bikaner.

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Where this information comes from

Confidence: Medium. History, significance and travel details well corroborated; opening hours differ between sources (low confidence on exact timings)

Jagatpita Brahma Mandir
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Shrinathji Temple
Nathdwara, Rajasthan
Dilwara Temples
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Govind Dev Ji Temple
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Frequently asked questions about Karni Mata Temple

What is the timing of Karni Mata Temple?

Karni Mata Temple: 4:00 AM onwards; until around 10:00 PM. Sources vary: one lists the temple as open 4:00 AM-10:00 PM daily, another as 5:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00 PM-9:00 PM. Mangala Aarti is around 4:30 AM and Sandhya Aarti around 7:00 PM. Confirm current hours locally.

What are the darshan (visiting) hours at Karni Mata Temple?

As published, morning darshan runs 4:00 AM onwards and evening darshan runs until around 10:00 PM. Sources vary: one lists the temple as open 4:00 AM-10:00 PM daily, another as 5:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00 PM-9:00 PM. Mangala Aarti is around 4:30 AM and Sandhya Aarti around 7:00 PM. Confirm current hours locally.

Is there an entry fee at Karni Mata Temple?

Free; donations accepted (a small charge may apply for camera/phone deposit)

What is the dress code at Karni Mata Temple?

Modest clothing recommended; shoes must be removed before entering and leather items should be removed as they are considered impure. Walk carefully as rats move around the floor.

Which festivals are celebrated at Karni Mata Temple?

The main ones documented for this temple are Navratri Fairs. See the festival table above for dates and what each involves.

What is the best time to visit Karni Mata Temple?

October to March for comfortable weather; early morning or late evening on weekdays to avoid heat and crowds

How do I reach Karni Mata Temple?

Deshnoke is about 30 km south of Bikaner. Deshnoke Railway Station (on the Bikaner-Jodhpur line) is about 1-2 km away. Nearest airport is Nal Airport, Bikaner (about 30 km); regular buses and taxis run from Bikaner.

Who is the presiding deity at Karni Mata Temple?

Karni Mata (a 14th-century sage revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga)

What is the history of Karni Mata Temple?

The temple was established in the late 14th century in Deshnoke and is dedicated to Karni Mata.

How reliable is the information on this Karni Mata Temple page?

This listing's confidence is rated medium. History, significance and travel details well corroborated; opening hours differ between sources (low confidence on exact timings)