Karni Mata Temple
A legendary temple famous globally for being home to thousands of resident rats, which are considered sacred and protected by the devotees of the goddess Karni Mata.
04:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Night: Closes at 10:00 PM₹0 (Intl) / ₹0 (Dom)
Statutory audio rigs available
1 to 2 Hours
Accessible (Ground level)
Optimal at Early morning to witness the prayer rituals
High-traction footgear required
The Fortress on the Maota Scarp
Commissioned 15th Century (Original) by Dedicated to Karni Mata // Rathore Rajputs
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The legends suggest that when her son died, she prayed to Yama (the God of Death) to bring him back; Yama refused, but Karni Mata eventually declared that her family members would be reincarnated as rats, protecting the temple forever.
The current structure is built in the Mughal style, featuring magnificent silver gates and intricate marble carvings. The inner sanctum is the primary dwelling for the rats, which are fed milk and grains by pilgrims.
"A testament to extraordinary faith, where the sacred and the small coexist."
— Rajputana Historical ArchivesFour Masterpieces Within The Walls
Navigate the internal quadrangle layout from public assembly courtyards to private mirrored winter chambers.
The Holy Rats (Kabbas)
Thousands of rats roam freely. Spotting a white rat is considered extremely auspicious.
Curator's Secret:Despite the high population density of rats, the temple remains remarkably clean.
Silver Gateways
The majestic silver doors donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.
Curator's Secret:The craftsmanship represents some of the finest silver work in the Bikaner region.
The Ground Reality
Amber Fort is a vertical, multi-tiered defensive complex built for siege resistance, not casual strolling. Assess your physical parameters prior to arrival.
Bypassing the 45-Minute Courtyard Queue
Keep an eye out for a white rat—pilgrims believe they are the most blessed incarnations. Also, walk slowly; the rats are fearless and often cross paths with visitors.
- 01Remove footwear outside
- 02Observe the temple courtyard
- 03Approach the inner sanctum
Strategic Seasonal Deployment
Annual thermal behavioral guide for the Amber micro-climate.
Always open for pilgrims.
The best lighting conditions for photography and exploration.
Morning Aarti
Optical Rigging Coordinates
Amber is a masterclass in highly reflective yellow sandstone geometry. Execute focal points strictly across these three verified coordinates:
Inner Courtyard
For photos of the rats near the feeding bowls.
Silver Gate
For close-up architectural details.
Official ASI Equipment Mandates
2026 Statutory Entry Ledger
Turnstile pricing mandated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
| Visitor Specification | Standard Single Pass | 2-Day Composite Pass* |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Citizen (Indian Adult) | ₹0 | ₹300 |
| Domestic Student (Verified Indian ID) | ₹0 | ₹40 |
| Foreign National (Intl Adult) | ₹0 | ₹1,000 |
| Foreign Student (International ISIC Card) | ₹0 | ₹200 |
Stratigraphy of the Citadel
Origins
Life of Karni Mata.
Getting To Amber Fort
In The Immediate Vicinity
Junagarh Fort
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