Karni Mata Temple, Hindu temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India

Karni Mata Temple stands at Deshnoke, about 30 km south of Bikaner in Rajasthan. Its white marble gateway has a large central pointed arch with dark wooden doors, flanked by two smaller arched niches with lattice windows and red Hindi signs. Above the arches a deep carved overhang on brackets carries a balustrade of small domed posts, and a red image panel on the roofline is topped by a pole with a red flag and trident finial. The building took its present Rajput-style form in the early 20th century under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.

Karni Mata Temple was first constituted around 1530, after the mahaprayan of Karni Mata, beginning with the inner sanctum covered by a dome. Devotees added constructions over the following centuries. The building reached its current form in the early 20th century in the Rajput style under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.

The shrine carries the name of revered Karni Mata and plays a central role for pilgrims traveling to Deshnok to show respect to the animals. Many visitors participate in prayers and accept the presence of rodents as an integral part of their religious experience on site.

The shrine is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws run regularly from Bikaner to the town about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. Visitors should bring socks or purchase them on site, as they must walk inside without shoes.

Among the thousands of rodents inside, the rare white specimens are considered especially lucky to spot. Devotees often share sweets and milk with the animals, which move freely among visitors.