Latest news with #KarniMata
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Explained: Story of ‘rat temple' near Bikaner, visited by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 24) visited the Karni Mata temple in Deshnok, a small town about 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Dubbed the 'rat temple', this historical place of worship is famous for being the home to tens of thousands of kabas (rats), which are considered sacred and protected. Karni Mata, also known as Ridhi Kanwar or Ridhu Bai, is believed to have been a 14th–15th sage, and an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is said to have been born in 1387 CE in the village of Suwap near Phalodi, about 100 km from Deshnok, into a Charan family. (Traditionally, Charans are bards, or court poets and genealogists.) It is said that Ridhi Kanwar was in her mother's womb for 21 months, and her coming was foretold by Goddess Durga herself, who appeared in her mother's dreams. Upon performing many miracles while growing up, Ridhi Kanwar was given the name Karni Mata. Historical details of Karni Mata's life are scant, and much of what is known about her comes from oral tradition and hagiographies, such as the Karni Mata Charitra, which portray her as a spiritual leader who performed miracles and supported rulers including Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, and Rao Bika ji, the founder of Bikaner. It is said that both Jodhpur and Bikaner were established in 1459 and 1488, respectively, with Karni Mata's blessings. Her followers say she lived for 151 years, before her 'ascension' in 1538 AD. The present structure of the Karni Mata Temple was commissioned in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. 'Karni Mata represents a blend of folk sainthood and goddess worship unique to western Rajasthan,' notes Prof Lindsey Harlan, in Religion and Rajput Women: The Ethic of Protection in Contemporary Narratives (University of California Press, 1992). Charans consider Karni Mata as not just a goddess but also as their kuldevi (tutelary deity). The priests at the Karni Mata temple have traditionally been Charans, who trace their lineage to her family. The community maintains custodianship of the temple. 'For the Charans, Karni Mata is not only divine but a blood relation, which reinforces their caste identity and social authority in the region' wrote Prof Ann Grodzins Gold, in Fruitful Journeys: The Ways of Rajasthani Pilgrims (University of California Press, 1988). Karni Mata is also deeply venerated by Rathore Rajputs, the dominant warrior caste in the region. Her blessings to Rao Jodha and Rao Bika, both Rathore kings, leads to many many Rajput clans in Rajasthan considering her their royal protector and family deity. 'The Karni Mata cult reflects the intertwining of folk sainthood with the political legitimisation of early Rajput kingdoms,' noted Prof Harlan. The first Karni Sena, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena (SRKS) which was created in 2006, derives its name from Karni Mata. Karni Mata is also worshipped by other castes, including the Meghwals and Malis. Her reputation as a just, miracle-working saint who protected her people transcends caste, and her temple offers equal access to devotees. Locally known as kabas, rats are believed to be incarnations of Karni Mata's family members. Legend has it that when her stepson Laxman, also known as Lakhan, drowned, Karni Mata asked Yama, the god of death, to revive him. Yama relented and allowed him and other members of her lineage to be reborn as rats, avoiding the cycle of death and rebirth. Other legends say that when Yamaraj said he was unable to do so, Karni Mata herself revived Lakhan and decreed that her family members would no longer die but be re-incarnated as rats. Hundreds of families living near the temple claim to be descendants of Karni Mata. This belief has transformed the rodents into holy beings: rats are considered to be Karni Mata's descendants, who will then take birth as humans, and then again as rats again in the temple, and so on. There are more beliefs surrounding the rats, one being that despite the presence of a large number of rats, there have been no diseases or infection; that their numbers have mostly stayed the same over the centuries; that there is no foul smell when they die; and that they don't leave the temple premises. The prasad touched by the rats is also considered sacred and followers say that it holds the power to cure ailments. Moreover, spotting a white rat is considered auspicious. The temple holds immense significance for the armed forces in the district bordering Pakistan. That said, the temple's association with the armed forces dates back to the pre-Independence era, long before Pakistan was on the map. Col Mahendra Singh Chandel (retd), recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal, said: 'Karni Mata has been a deity of the erstwhile Bikaner state's armed forces: the Karni Battalion, Sadul Infantry, Dungar Lancers, Vijay Battery and the Ganga Risala. Of these, the Sadul Infantry and Karni Battalion were converted into the 19 Rajput Battalion, which is still sometimes known as 19 Rajput Karni Battalion. Similarly, the Vijay Battery was merged into 41 Field Regiment Artillery and is still sometimes known as 41 Field Karni Regiment.' As part of the tradition, the Commanding Officers of the 19 Rajput Battalion visit the temple whenever they take over. And, during navratra, two non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are sent to the temple to make special offerings on behalf of the Battalion. Karni Mata is seen as a symbol of divine feminine power and is invoked for courage, protection and success, particularly by soldiers with Rajasthani roots. It is common for serving soldiers from the region to visit the temple in uniform, offer prayers, and seek blessings before joining field duty or deployment. 'Military reverence for Karni Mata reflects the traditional martial values of Rajputana, where deities are protectors and guardians in both spiritual and battlefield realms,' said Col R S Rathore (retd), in an interview published in the Journal of Indian Military History, 2015.
News18
22-05-2025
- News18
PM Modi Visits Karni Mata Temple In Bikaner; Here's Everything To Know About The Sacred Rat Temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Bikaner, on Wednesday. This temple is also called the 'Rat Temple' because thousands of rats live here and are treated as sacred. People believe these rats are the souls of Karni Mata's devotees, and seeing a white rat is considered very lucky. Watch the video to know everything about this holy place and PM Modi's visit. lifestyle news | health updates | travel stories | lifestyle | news18 | n18oc_lifestyleLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
World is surprised seeing development in India, says PM Modi in Bikaner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Rajasthan's Bikaner on Thursday. He also inaugurated 102 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of approximately Rs 1,100 crore. These include a mix of major and minor stations spread across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Addressing the public rally, PM Modi said, "Today, I came in front of you all after seeking the blessings of Karni Mata. Due to the blessings of Karni Mata, our resolution of Viksit Bharat is strengthening. Just a few minutes back, the inauguration and foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were laid. I congratulate the people of Rajasthan for this." "To make a Viksit Bharat, today, an extensive campaign is ongoing to develop a modernised infrastructure in the country. To modernise the roads, highways, trains and railway stations, work has been done with an unprecedented pace in the last 11 years. Today, the amount spent by the nation on these infrastructural developments is six times what was used before," he said. "Today, even the world is surprised seeing the developmental works being carried out by India," PM Modi said, giving examples of Chenab Bridge, Arunachal Pradesh's Sela Tunnel, Mumbai's Atal Setu and Pamban Bridge in South India. The Prime Minister also said that today, India is "modernising" its train network by introducing trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, which shows the "new pace and progress of the country's technology." Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also offered prayers at the sacred Karni Mata Temple, followed by a visit to the newly redeveloped Deshnoke railway station. This station is one of the 103 stations revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. PM Modi also flagged off the new Bikaner-Mumbai Express train. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across the country are being upgraded to offer enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and culturally rich designs. A total of 103 stations, modernised for Rs 1,100 crore, were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. These include eight stations in Rajasthan -- Fatehpur Shekhawati, Deshnok, Bundi, Mandalgarh, Gogamedi, Rajgarh, Govindgarh, and Mandawar-Mahua Road. The Deshnoke station, in particular, has been designed to reflect local architectural traditions, including temple-style arches and decorative pillars. As part of this vision, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the 58 km Churu-Sadulpur rail line and dedicated the electrification of key railway sections, including Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km), Phulera-Degana (109 km), Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km), Phalodi–Jaisalmer (157 km), and Samdari–Barmer (129 km). In terms of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched projects aimed at both enhancing civilian connectivity and strengthening national security. This includes laying the foundation for three vehicular underpasses on NH-58 in Pushkar, as well as the widening of NH-11 and NH-70. Additionally, he dedicated seven major national highway projects worth Rs 4,850 crore, which are expected to improve military mobility and boost the regional economy. The Prime Minister's visit also emphasised India's commitment to clean energy. He laid the foundation stone for several solar power initiatives, including a 300 MW ground-mounted solar project by NEEPCO in Bikaner and a 100 MW project by SJVN in Nawa. Solar projects in Didwana and Kuchaman were also initiated. Transmission systems under Powergrid's Sirohi and Mewar divisions were launched to enhance grid connectivity. Furthermore, he inaugurated three key power infrastructure projects -- Power Grid Neemuch Transmission System, a power evacuation project in Bikaner, and capacity expansion of the Fatehgarh-II Power Station. Among other projects, the 500 MW Kalasar and 300 MW Shimbhu Ka Bhurj solar power plants will play a pivotal role in strengthening India's renewable energy framework, supported by indigenous solar PV modules under the "Make in India" mission. Strengthening regional connectivity further, the Prime Minister launched the upgradation and maintenance of 12 state highways covering 757 km under the Rajasthan State Highway Development Programme, with a total investment of Rs 3,240 crore. Prominent routes include Mangaliyawas-Padukalan (State Highway-102), Beawar-Tehla-Alniyawas (SH-59 and SH-104), and Dantiwada-Pipar-Merta City (SH-21). Plans are in place for the future upgradation of another 900 km of roadways, including the Gotan-Sathin Highway, linking industrial and border areas more efficiently. To bolster the state's healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister also inaugurated four new nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur. These institutions will help strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to quality medical education across Rajasthan. In addition, two electrical substations -- 132 kV GSS Rajpura in Bikaner and 132 kV GSS Sarda in Udaipur -- will be inaugurated to improve power distribution in the region. These upgrades are a vital part of ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply across the state.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
PM Modi in Rajasthan, inaugurates redeveloped railway station in Bikaner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 22, 2025) offered prayers at the Karni Mata temple and inaugurated the redeveloped Deshnok railway station in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. Mr. Modi also flagged-off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express from Deshnok and will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth more than ₹26,000 crore. Inspired by temple architecture, the revamped Deshnok station located near the Karni Mata temple will cater to thousands of pilgrims visiting the shrine each year. Prime Minister Modi will also address a public gathering in Palana. Besides, Mr. Modi will virtually inaugurate 103 redeveloped 'Amrit Stations' in 86 districts across 18 states and Union territories, which have been built at a cost of ₹1,100 crore. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and others.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
PM Modi Offers Prayers At Karni Mata Temple In Rajasthan
Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday offered prayers at the Karni Mata temple in Bikaner district. During his visit to Bikaner district, Modi is also set to inaugurate the redeveloped Deshnoke railway station, and lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 26,000 crore. #WATCH | Bikaner, Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits and offers prayers at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke. (Source: ANI/DD) — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2025 He will also address a public gathering in Palana, according to an official statement. Besides, the prime minister will virtually inaugurate 103 redeveloped 'Amrit Stations' in 86 districts across 18 states and Union territories, which have been built at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore. Inspired by temple architecture, the revamped Deshnoke station located near the Karni Mata temple is designed to serve the heavy influx of pilgrims with enhanced passenger amenities, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi will also flag off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express train from Deshnok, marking a significant boost to passenger rail connectivity in the region. Following the station inauguration, Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation development projects exceeding Rs 26,000 crore. The projects span across railways, roadways, power, water supply, and renewable energy, underscoring the Centre's commitment to infrastructure and economic growth in Rajasthan and beyond, the statement said.
