30 Lion Guard the Temple of Mother Goddess in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a land of rich culture and heritage, where many ancient temples and shrines dot the landscape. Among them, one of the most fascinating and unique temples is the Karni Mata Temple of Deshnoke, where 30 lions guard the temple of the mother goddess.
Who is Karni Mata?
Karni Mata is a Hindu goddess of power and victory, who is revered as a warrior sage and an incarnation of Hinglaj or Durga. She was born in the 14th century in a Charan caste family and lived an ascetic life. She was widely respected for her spiritual powers and miracles. She played an important role in shaping the history of Rajasthan, as she helped the Rajput rulers of Bikaner and Jodhpur to establish their kingdoms and forts. She is the patron deity of the royal families of Bikaner and Jodhpur, as well as the Indian Army troops from the Marwar region.
Why are there lions in the temple?
The Karni Mata Temple is famous for its 30 lions that roam freely in the temple premises and are considered sacred by the devotees. The lions are believed to be the protectors of the temple and the goddess, who commands them with her trident. The lions are also seen as a symbol of the goddess's power and courage.
The origin of the lions in the temple is shrouded in mystery and legend. Some say that they were brought by Karni Mata herself from her native village, where she had tamed them with her love and blessings. Others say that they were gifted by a king who was grateful for Karni Mata's help in winning a war. Still others say that they are reincarnations of Karni Mata's devotees who died while serving her.
Whatever the case may be, the lions have been living in harmony with humans and other animals in the temple for centuries. They are fed and cared for by the priests and devotees, who also respect their space and privacy. The lions are friendly and gentle with the visitors, who can touch them and take pictures with them. However, they are also fierce and loyal to their goddess, who can summon them at any time with her voice or gesture.
What else can you see in the temple?
The Karni Mata Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of wonder and beauty. The temple is built in white marble with intricate carvings and silver doors. The main shrine houses a marble idol of Karni Mata holding a trident, flanked by two lions and an eagle. The idol is adorned with gold ornaments and colorful clothes. The temple also has a large relief map of India sculpted in marble on its floor, which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
The temple is also home to thousands of rats, who are considered sacred as well. They are believed to be the descendants of Karni Mata's sons, who were reincarnated as rats after they drowned in a pond. The rats are treated with utmost reverence and affection by the devotees, who offer them food and milk. It is considered auspicious to see a white rat or to have one run over your feet.
The temple is surrounded by an Oran land, which is a sacred sanctuary for all living beings. No one is allowed to harm any animal or plant in this area, which is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. The Oran land also hosts many blackbucks, who are considered sacred as Karni Mata's protectors.
How can you visit the temple?
The Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnoke, a small town about 30 km from Bikaner city in Rajasthan. You can reach Deshnoke by road or rail from Bikaner or other nearby cities. The temple is open from 4 am to 10 pm every day, except during special festivals and occasions when it may be closed for some time. The entry fee is nominal and there are no restrictions on caste or religion. However, you have to follow some rules while visiting the temple, such as:
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.
- Do not carry any leather items or non-vegetarian food inside the temple.
- Do not disturb or harm the lions, rats, or any other animals in the temple.
- Do not touch the idol of Karni Mata or the map of India without permission.
- Do not take any photographs or videos inside the main shrine.
- Dress modestly and respectfully while visiting the temple.
The Karni Mata Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the culture and spirituality of Rajasthan. It is a place where you can witness the coexistence of humans and animals in harmony and peace. It is a place where you can feel the presence and blessings of the mother goddess, who fulfills the wishes of her devotees.
References
¹: [Karni Mata - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karni_Mata)
²: [Lions guard temple of Mother Goddess in Rajasthan - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZy9G7fX8w)
³: [Shri Kaila Devi Temple - Famous Temple in Rajasthan | Temples in ...](https://www.kailadevitemple.com/)
: [Bharat Mata - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharat_Mata)
: [Karni Mata Temple: The Rats' Abode | Outlook Traveller](https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/69867/karni-mata-temple-the-rats-abode)
: [Karni Mata Temple: A Unique Place Where Rats Are Worshipped ...](https://www.india.com/travel/articles/karni-mata-temple-a-unique-place-where-rats-are-worshipped-in-india/)
: [Blackbucks are sacred to Karni Mata, says Rajasthan HC | Jaipur ...](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/blackbucks-are-sacred-to-karni-mata-says-hc/articleshow/71358497.cms)
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When can you visit the temple?
The Karni Mata Temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit it is during the Karni Mata Festival, which is celebrated twice a year during Navratri, in March-April and October-November. The festival is a grand occasion that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the country and abroad.
The Karni Mata Festival is a tribute to the goddess and her miracles. The festival features various religious and cultural programs, such as puja, aarti, bhajan, kirtan, dance, music, and drama. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and flags. The devotees offer their prayers and offerings to the goddess and seek her blessings for their well-being and prosperity. The festival also showcases the local traditions and customs of Rajasthan, such as folk songs, dances, costumes, and cuisines.
The highlight of the festival is the Chariot Procession, which takes place on the ninth day of Navratri. The idol of Karni Mata is taken out of the temple in a silver chariot, accompanied by 30 lions and thousands of devotees. The procession passes through the streets of Deshnoke and returns to the temple after covering a distance of 15 km. The devotees consider it a great honor to pull the chariot or touch it with their heads. The procession is a spectacle of devotion and joy that fills the air with chants of "Jai Karni Mata".
The Karni Mata Festival is a unique experience that you should not miss if you are visiting Rajasthan during Navratri. It is a chance to witness the faith and fervor of the people who worship Karni Mata as their mother and protector. It is also a chance to explore the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan that is reflected in this festival.
Source:
(1) Karni Mata Festival - Om Astrology. https://www.omastrology.com/indian-festivals/karni-mata-festival/.
(2) Karni Mata Mela in Bikaner | Updated Information - Indian Holiday. https://www.indianholiday.com/fairs-and-festivals/rajasthan/karni-mata-mela.html.
(3) Karni Mata - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karni_Mata.
(4) Karni Mata Festival 2023 - Dates, History, Major Attractions - Adotrip. https://www.adotrip.com/festival-detail/karni-mata-festival.
FAQ's
What is the story of Karni Mata Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, who the locals believe is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the protective Mother Goddess in Hindu religion. Karni Mata was a Hindu warrior sage from the Charan caste, who lived in the fourteenth century.
Who made Karni Mata Temple?
Karni Mata Temple Type Rajput Creator Maharaja Ganga Singh Completed 15th - 20th century Website
Why are there rats in Karni Mata Temple?
Although popular local folklore says that when a 20,000 strong army deserted a nearby battlefield and came running to Deshnoke, considering desertion as a sin Goddess Karni did not punish them with death, instead turned them into rats and the temple as a home for the rats with a promise to serve the goddess lifelong.
What is the history of Rat Temple?
According to legend, the first rat temple was built in Rajasthan in the 1400s. It was then that a Charan mystic named Karni Mata, who was an incarnation of the goddess of power and victory, Durga, made a deal with the god of death.
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