Travel & Adventure
PM Modi visits Karni Mata temple in Bikaner: Know why devotees are given leftover ‘prasad’ of rats
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Karni Mata temple in Bikaner on May 22. In this article, we have mentioned why the temple is so popular and why devotees are given leftover prasad of rats.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district on Thursday to inaugurate the redeveloped Deshnoke railway station and lay the foundation for multiple development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore. He also visited the renowned Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke and addressed a public gathering in Palana, according to an official statement.
Alongside, PM Modi virtually inaugurated 103 redeveloped ‘Amrit Stations’ across 86 districts in 18 states and Union territories, built at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore.
Unique Heritage of Karni Mata Temple and Its Sacred Rats
The newly revamped Deshnoke railway station, inspired by the temple’s architecture, aims to serve the large number of pilgrims visiting the temple with better passenger facilities.
But what makes the Karni Mata temple so unique? It is famously known as the ‘Temple of Rats’—home to thousands of rats called ‘Kaba,’ considered sacred by devotees.
These rats freely roam the temple, feeding on the leftover ‘prasad’ (offering) brought by worshippers. According to belief, these rats are incarnations of Karni Mata and by worshipping them, devotees’ wishes are fulfilled.
Mythological Significance of the Rats
Legend has it that Karni Mata’s brother died, and she prayed to Lord Shiva to bring him back to life. Lord Shiva granted her wish but instructed that her brother be resurrected in the form of a rat. Ever since, the rats in the temple are considered members of Karni Mata’s family.
About Karni Mata
Karni Mata was a revered and powerful yogini and tantrik from the 15th century, worshipped as a goddess in Hinduism. She is believed to have performed miracles, including ending plagues and famine in the region.
The temple is not only a religious site but also an architectural marvel attracting visitors and pilgrims alike.
Devotion and Management
People from nearby and distant places come to seek blessings at the temple. It is widely believed that those destined to meet Karni Mata are called by her. The temple’s administration is managed by Karni Mata’s descendants, known as Charans.
The spiritual journey to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar is set to begin soon. Preparations are in full swing as the first batch of pilgrims for the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to depart from Delhi on June 30. This year’s journey will see devotees traveling to Lipulekh Pass via vehicle—a route that blends modern convenience with ancient devotion.
About the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages. Pilgrims embark on this journey to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, whose abode is believed to be Mount Kailash. The trek also holds significance for Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon religion.
Yatra 2025: What’s New This Year?
- Pilgrims will travel primarily by vehicle till Lipulekh
- Health and security protocols have been enhanced post-COVID
- Mobile medical units and satellite phones to be used in remote areas
- Digital registration and tracking for all yatris
Journey Route: From Delhi to Lipulekh
- Start from Delhi via bus to Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- After documentation and acclimatization, pilgrims head to Dharchula
- From there, travel continues by road and local 4×4 vehicles to Lipulekh Pass
- Trekking resumes beyond Lipulekh for the Kailash parikrama
Security, Health & Logistics Readiness
The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with ITBP and the Uttarakhand Government, is:
- Deploying rescue teams
- Setting up checkposts and emergency camps
- Preparing helipads for aerial rescue if needed
- Offering pre-yatra health checks for all participants
Devotee Guidelines for 2025
- Mandatory health certificate & age limit between 18–70 years
- Only fully vaccinated participants allowed
- Fitness training recommended 30 days prior to travel
- Essential gear: trekking shoes, warm clothes, ID proofs, prescribed meds
Delhi is set to offer a fresh perspective from above as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) prepares to launch tethered hot-air balloon rides along the Yamuna riverfront. The initiative promises a blend of adventure, tourism, and urban recreation.
Proposed Locations
DDA plans to facilitate tethered balloon rides at Baansera and Asita parks along the Yamuna floodplains. Based on public interest, additional parks may be added later.
What Are Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Rides?
These balloons remain anchored via ropes, offering a controlled and safe aerial experience lasting a few minutes. Riders ascend to a fixed height before gently descending, making it accessible even for beginners.
Objective & Benefits
The DDA initiative aims to:
- Elevate tourism at urban riverfronts
- Introduce sustainable recreational activities
How Agencies Can Participate
Interested operators must:
- Have aviation recreation or aero-sports experience
- Hold valid licenses and certifications under DGCA norms
- Submit bids—the agency with an optimal safety, experience, and compliance track record will be selected
- Deadline for applications: March 10, 2025
The chosen agency will manage:
- Balloon safety equipment and ground crew support
- Licensed pilots and team coordination
- Ticketing, marketing, and visitor service
Safety & Regulation
All operations must adhere to DGCA guidelines and environmental standards. Additionally, balloons must be tethered securely to ensure no free-flight risk remains.
On June 18, 2025, Air India Flight AI2145, en route from Delhi to Bali, was advised mid-flight to return to Delhi due to a volcanic eruption near Bali’s airport. Indonesian authorities had raised the volcano alert to its highest level after Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki spewed ash and smoke up to 10 km into the atmosphere
Flight & Safety Details
- Safety Concern: Volcanic ash poses threats to aircraft engines and visibility, making the air route unsafe
- Safe Landing: The plane landed smoothly back at Delhi IGI Airport, and all passengers disembarked safely
Passenger Support
Air India promptly arranged:
- Hotel accommodations for all affected passengers
- Full refunds or complimentary rerouting/rescheduling options
Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki
- Eruptions from the twin volcano sent ash plumes up to 10 km high, visible as far as 150 km away
- The volcano’s alert level was raised to maximum, with an 8 km evacuation zone established around the crater
- Travel chaos ensued: flights from Bali and nearby Labuan Bajo were cancelled or delayed by airlines like Jetstar, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines
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