Udaipur is home to many natural and man-made wonders. One of these is the Karni Mata Temple. Sitting high on the Machla Magra Hills and far away from the pollution of the city, the temple provides mesmerizing views of the city of Udaipur and its placid lakes. A peculiar feature of the temple is the thousands of rats that reside within its precincts. Rather than pests, these rats are considered pious and are worshipped by the people.
Karni Mata Temple was built between the years 1620 and 1628 by the King of Udaipur, Maharana Karan Singh. However, the temple was abandoned for a long time. But in 1997, the Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Development Committee renovated the temple and turned it into a prime tourist attraction. Some of the top restaurants in Udaipur are also located in close proximity to the temple. Serving scrumptious cuisines, these are the best places to satiate your hunger.
Legend
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu warrior sage. Born into the Charan family during 1387 in a village at Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, Karni Mata is said to be Goddess Durga’s reincarnation. According to a popular legend associated with Karni Mata, her son drowned in the Kapil Sarovar while quenching his thirst. A grief-stricken Mata Karni pleaded to the God of Death to restore her son’s life. God obliged and reincarnated him as a rat. It is said that since then every descendant of Karni Mata is reborn as a rat.
About the Temple
To reach the Karni Mata Temple, you need to board a rope-way from the banks of Lake Pichola. The trip is four to five minutes long with enchanting views of the lakes and monuments of Udaipur. You will see the Fateh Sagar Lake, City Palace Complex, Pichola Lake, Sajjangarh Fort and the Aravalli Mountains. The ropeway ends at Machala Mangra Hills. Another way to reach the temple is by climbing the stairs. It takes roughly ten minutes to reach the top. The stairs are punctuated by resting places and water coolers so people can relax and relieve their thirst.
How to Reach Karni Mata Temple
The temple can be reached by air, rail or road. Udaipur Airport is around 24 kilometers from the temple. Udaipur City Bus Depot and Udaipur City Railway Station are approximately 3 to 4 kilometers away.
Best Time to Visit Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is open on all days of the week. The temple opens at 5 AM and closes its gates at 10 PM.
Places of Interest near Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is in close proximity to many popular attractions of Udaipur such as Tibetan Market, Gulab Bagh, Doodh Talai, and Durga Mata Mandir, among others.
So if you are planning to visit Udaipur, check out the Karni Mata Temple for an exhilarating experience. For a memorable experience book a room at one of the best business hotels in Udaipur.
