Did PM Modi Visit the Historic Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan?

Bikaner, May 22 (NationPress) On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant pilgrimage to the renowned Karni Mata Temple located in Deshnok, within the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, to offer his prayers at this extraordinary and sacred site.

Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Temple officials greeted him with a miniature model of the Karni Mata Temple, and he presented 'prasad' along with a donation at the temple's sanctum.

Situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, who is believed to be a manifestation of Maa Jagdamba.

According to devotees, the Goddess meditated and resided in a cave at this location around 650 years ago, which is preserved within the temple grounds. Following her death, her idol was placed in the cave as per her instructions.

One of the temple's most remarkable features is its revered population of black rats, referred to as 'kabbas'. An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 rats inhabit the marble shrine, earning it the nickname 'Temple of Rats'.

Devotees hold these rats in high regard, believing they are sacred and bring prosperity. Notably, spotting a white rat among them is considered exceptionally lucky.

To ensure the safety of the rats from predators like eagles and vultures, the temple is equipped with fine mesh over open areas.

Despite the overwhelming presence of these rodents, they do not pose a threat to visitors and can often be seen climbing on people or scurrying around their feet, a sight that devotees regard with reverence.

The recently renovated temple is celebrated for its intricate marble carvings, silver doors, golden umbrellas, and a large silver plate specifically designed for feeding the rats.

Goddess Karni Mata is also venerated for her blessings in the establishment of the Bikaner and Jodhpur states. Pilgrims flock to the temple daily, particularly during the early morning Mangala Aarti at 5 a.m. and the evening Aarti at 7 p.m., when the rats are seen moving in large numbers—a spectacle many find spiritually significant.

This marks PM Modi's first visit to Rajasthan following India's attack on terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.

During his visit, PM Modi plans to inaugurate 103 Amrit Stations across the nation, including the newly developed Deshnok Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Yojana. He will also address a large public gathering in Palana village near Bikaner.

His total duration in Bikaner is scheduled for 3 hours and 25 minutes. This visit is reminiscent of his public address in Churu, which he delivered on the morning following the airstrikes after the Pulwama attack.

Following his temple visit, he will inaugurate the Deshnok Railway Station and flag off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express train.

During this event, PM Modi will launch 103 Amrit Stations nationwide and lay the foundation stone for various development projects valued at Rs 26,000 crore. These projects encompass 1,000 km of electrified railway tracks, seven major road initiatives, three vehicle underpasses, a PowerGrid transmission project, and 900 km of national highways in Rajasthan. After the public meeting, the Prime Minister will return to Nal Airport by helicopter around 12:30 p.m. and depart for Delhi at approximately 1:15 p.m.