# Navratri Draws Thousands to Deshnok Karni Mata Shrine as Devotees Seek Glimpse of Sacred White Rats > Crowds of pilgrims are gathering at Rajasthan's famed Karni Mata temple in Deshnok during Navratri, honoring over 20,000 revered rats known locally as Kaba and searching for auspicious sightings of white rodents. **Type:** article · **Category:** Rajasthan · **Published:** 2026-10-11 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/rajasthan-ke-deshnok-men-navratri-para-umari-bhakton-ki-bhari-bhira-kaba-ke-didara-ko-tarasati-hain-ankhen-46481 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok, Bikaner, Navratri, Rajasthan Tourism, Kaba Rats, Pilgrimage During the festive period of Navratri, the renowned Karni Mata temple in Deshnok has turned into a major focal point of spiritual devotion, welcoming pilgrims from every corner of India. Situated roughly 30 kilometers outside the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan, the shrine registers steady footfall throughout the year, but visitor numbers witness a massive surge during the auspicious nine-day festival. Deep spiritual reverence surrounds Karni Mata across western Rajasthan and Bikaner, drawing people eager to pay homage at a sanctuary celebrated globally as the Temple of Rats due to its extraordinary resident population. ## Thousands of Revered Kaba and the Auspicious Sight of White Rodents According to long-standing tradition, more than 20,000 rats reside freely within the sanctified complex, known affectionately in the local dialect as 'Kaba'. Worshippers arriving at the shrine make offerings of sweets and grains not only before the deity but also to these animals, treating them with immense veneration. Spotting one of the rare white rats scurrying across the marble floors is widely considered an exceptionally fortunate omen, prompting devotees to scan the courtyards patiently in search of an auspicious glimpse. One of the temple's notable daily rituals unfolds during the morning and evening aarti ceremonies, when vast numbers of rodents emerge into plain view across the sanctum. Deep-rooted spiritual convictions underpin this phenomenon. Legend holds that individuals belonging to the Depawat clan do not travel to the realm of Yamraj upon death, but instead reincarnate directly as rodents to reside permanently under the protective care of Karni Mata. ## Ornate Marble Portals, Solid Silver Doors, and Architectural Splendor Beyond its resident animal population, the temple captivates visitors with its striking structural artistry. The main entrance features exquisitely carved marble stonework that reflects master craftsmanship. Towering doorways clad in solid silver, an ornate golden canopy positioned above the primary idol, and a massive silver platter specifically set aside to serve food offerings to the rodents serve as standout hallmarks of the complex. Devotees arriving during Navratri take great care to admire these regal features during their circumambulation. ## The Six-Century-Old Sacred Cave and Historic Ties to Bikaner Devotees worship Karni Mata as a direct incarnation of Goddess Jagdamba. Around six and a half centuries ago, the spot where the monumental structure stands today was simply a modest cave where the revered mystic secluded herself to conduct prayers and meditate before her chosen deity. That ancient cave remains preserved within the temple grounds to this day. Historical lore recounts that after the saint attained divine union, her murti was consecrated inside the selfsame subterranean chamber in accordance with her expressed wishes. Traditional accounts also emphasize that the historical establishment and rise of the princely state of Bikaner occurred through the direct blessings of Karni Mata. These living traditions, coupled with centuries of uninterrupted faith, grant the Deshnok sanctuary its singular standing on India's spiritual map as Navratri celebrations bring regional heritage into vivid display. ## What this means for you The surge of pilgrims during Navratri directly influences travel logistics, queue wait times, and the hospitality economy around Bikaner. - **In Rajasthan:** Public transport, shuttle services, and roadways linking Bikaner to Deshnok are experiencing intense passenger traffic. Travelers heading to the shrine should budget additional transit time to account for prolonged festive congestion. - **Across India:** Outstation devotees traveling to Bikaner are rapidly filling local guesthouses, dharamshalas, and hotel accommodations. Pilgrims should secure lodging and return transit bookings well in advance of their journey. - **For Local Businesses:** Retail vendors dealing in prasad offerings, garlands, and refreshments are experiencing a massive seasonal revenue boost. The festival provides vital economic support to local shopkeepers across the Deshnok precinct. - **For Temple Visitors:** Foot traffic and rodent activity peak noticeably during morning and evening prayer services. Devotees eager for a glimpse of the sacred white rats must prepare for extended waiting periods inside the main courtyard. ## Why this happened The massive gathering at Deshnok is driven by the traditional reverence for divine feminine power during Navratri alongside centuries of unique folklore. - **Festive Spiritual Significance:** Navratri is considered the most sacred period for worshipping Goddess Durga and her manifestations. Because devotees regard Karni Mata as an incarnation of Goddess Jagdamba, thousands visit specifically to seek festive blessings. - **Belief in Sacred Rodents:** The presence of over 20,000 revered rats and the specific prospect of sighting a rare white specimen creates a powerful draw. Devotees believe such sightings bestow extraordinary fortune and divine favor. - **The Depawat Clan Lineage:** Long-standing ancestral folklore holds that departed members of the Depawat community reside within the sanctuary as sacred rodents. This cultural belief binds regional communities closely to the temple's daily rituals. - **Historical Reverence:** The six-century-old cave where the saint meditated and her traditional role in sanctifying the founding of Bikaner state provide profound historic weight, sustaining massive crowds year after year. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Where is the Karni Mata temple located in Rajasthan? The temple is located in the town of Deshnok in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, roughly 30 kilometers away from Bikaner city. ### 2. What are the resident rodents called in the local language? The more than 20,000 rodents living inside the temple complex are respectfully referred to as 'Kaba' in the local dialect. ### 3. What is the spiritual significance of sighting a white rat at the temple? Spotting a rare white rat is considered exceptionally auspicious and is believed by worshippers to grant their heartfelt wishes. ### 4. What belief connects the Depawat clan to the temple's rodents? Tradition holds that members of the Depawat community do not pass on to the underworld after death, but are reborn as rodents within the shrine. ### 5. What is the history behind the ancient cave inside the temple grounds? Around 650 years ago, Karni Mata meditated and worshipped her deity within this cave, where her murti was subsequently consecrated as per her wishes. ### 6. What are the architectural highlights of the Deshnok shrine? Key architectural features include ornate marble entryway carvings, massive silver doors, a gold canopy over the deity, and a large silver platter for feeding offerings. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._