Karni Mata, Deshnoke

The 15-century Shakta Pitha of Karni Mata at Deshnoke in Bikaner district, Rajasthan, 30 kilometres from Bikaner — the Charan goddess revered as the kuladevi (clan goddess) of the Rathore Rajput royal house of Bikaner and Jodhpur. The Charani saint Karni Mata (traditional dates 1387-1538) is said to have blessed Rao Bika (founder of Bikaner, 1485) and the Rathore line. The temple is famous for its sacred rat population — approximately 25,000 free-roaming black rats (kabas) within the temple precinct, believed to be reincarnated Charan devotees of the goddess. Sighting a white rat is considered particularly auspicious; the rats are fed by priests and must not be harmed. The current marble temple structure was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20-century on the 15-century shrine foundation. The annual Karni Mata Mela each March-April draws over 500,000 pilgrims.