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The little town, on
the road to Jodhpur, is known for the shrine of Karni Mata, who was
born in 1387 AD in a Charan family. Karni Mata is worshipped as an
incarnation ofGoddess Durga. She blessed and guided Rao Bika, the
founder of Bikaner in establishing his kingdom and since then she
was also worshiped as the tutelary deity of the erst while Bikaner
dynasty.
The temple is
unique as the rats, called Kabas, are venerated here and the shrine
is a sanctuary for them. It is believed that these Kabas carry souls
of future Charans/bards (Children of the goddess) who inhabit the
town of Deshnok. These Kabas (Rats) are held sacred and theymove
freelyin the temple precincts. It is considered highly aupicious to
sight a white Kaba.
The temple has a
richlycarved marble entrance and superb silver doors with images of
Hindu divinities embossed on them. These silver doors were donated
by Maharaja Ganga Singhji. |
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