Temple In Bikaner

Bhandasan Jain Temples 5 km
A Beautiful 15th century Jain temple is the oldest existing monument of Bikaner, dedicated to Sumantinathji, the 5th Tirathankara of the Jain religion. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes & gold leaf paintings.

Shiv Bari Temple 6 km
Fortified by high walls, this temple dedicated to lord Shiva, was constructed by Maharaja Doongar Singh in the 19th century. The temple has some beautiful paintings, & a Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam.

Deshnoke Karni Mata Temple 30 km
Deshnok's fascinating temple of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga, is not far for squeamish. Here the holy rodents are considered to be incarnations of the storytellers, and run riot over the temple complex. Deshnok is a village 30 km south of Bikaner along the Jodhpur road.

Karni Mata lived in the 14th century and performed many miracles during her life-time. When her youngest son, Lakhan, drowned, Karni Mata ordered Yama, the god of Death, to bring him back to life. Yama replied that he was unable to do this, but that Karni Mata, is an incarnation of Durga, could restore Lakhan's life. This she did, and decreed that members of her family would no longer die, but would be incarnated as kabas(rats), and these kabas would returns as members of her family. There are around 600 families in Deshnok who claim both decent from Karni Mata and that they will be reincarnated as kabas.

The temple is an important place of pilgrimage, with pilgrims being disgorged every few minutes from buses. Before the temple, is a beautiful marble facade with solid silver doors donated by Maharaja Gaj Singh. Across the doorway to the inner sanctum are the repousse (raised relief) silver doors - one panel shows the goddess with her holy charges at her feet. An image of goddess is enshrined in the sanctum. There are special holes around the temple courtyard to fascinate the rats' movements, and a wire grille has been placed over the courtyard to prevent the birds of prey and other predators consuming the holy rodents.

Kolayatji 45 km
This pilgrim center lies, on the highway leading to Jaisalmer. The temple here dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) - is the site of fair in the month of Kartik (October/November) descends upon this ancient town to bath in the holy waters of Kolayat Lake on the full moon day. A cattle auction and sports involving the camel is major draw at this annual festivity.