Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple where thousands of rats roam freely and are worshipped as divine beings? If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in India, then you should not miss the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur, also known as the Rat Temple. This temple is not only a fascinating cultural and religious site, but also one of the best sunset and viewpoint spots in Udaipur, the city of lakes. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur, its history, legend, significance, how to reach, what to expect, and why it is worth visiting.
History and Legend of Karni Mata Temple Udaipur
The Karni Mata Temple Udaipur is located on a hilltop near the Doodh Talai Lake, about 2 km from the city center. The temple was built in the 15th century by Maharana Karan Singh, the ruler of Mewar, in honor of Karni Mata, a female Hindu sage who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is also the headquarters of the Karni Mata sect, a group of followers who worship her as their patron deity.
The legend behind the temple is that Karni Mata once resurrected her son Lakhan, who had drowned in a pond, by praying to Yama, the god of death. Yama agreed to grant her wish, but on the condition that all her sons and their descendants would be reincarnated as rats, and would live in the temple as her children. Since then, the temple has been home to thousands of rats, who are considered sacred and auspicious by the devotees. It is said that if you spot a white rat among the black ones, you are blessed with good luck and fortune.
The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and design, which reflects the Rajasthani style. The temple has a marble facade, a silver door, intricate carvings, and a golden dome. The temple complex also has a garden, a pond, and a museum that displays the history and artifacts of the Karni Mata sect.
How to Reach Karni Mata Temple Udaipur
There are many ways to reach Udaipur from other parts of India, such as by air, train, or road. Udaipur has a domestic airport that connects to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. The nearest railway station is Udaipur City, which is well-connected to other states by regular trains. You can also take a bus or a taxi from nearby cities like Jodhpur, Ajmer, or Mount Abu.
Once you are in Udaipur, you have several options to get to the temple from the city center. You can walk, take a taxi, or rent a bike, depending on your preference and budget. The distance is about 2 km, and the road is scenic and pleasant. You can also enjoy the views of the Doodh Talai Lake and the Pichola Lake along the way.
The most exciting part of reaching the temple is the choice between hiking or taking the ropeway from the foot of the hill. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike up the hill, which takes about 20 minutes, and enjoy the natural beauty and the fresh air. If you are looking for a more comfortable and convenient option, you can take the ropeway, which costs 100 rupees per person for a round trip, and takes about 5 minutes. The ropeway offers a stunning view of the city, the lakes, and the Aravalli hills, and is especially popular during sunset.
What to Expect at Karni Mata Temple Udaipur
The temple is open from 4 am to 10 pm every day, and the ropeway operates from 9 am to 9 pm. The best time to visit the temple is in the evening, when you can witness the sunset and the city lights from the hilltop. The temple is also crowded during festivals and events, such as Navratri, Diwali, and Holi, when the devotees perform special rituals and celebrations.
When you enter the temple, you will be greeted by thousands of rats, who are roaming, eating, sleeping, and playing in the temple premises. You will also see bowls of milk, grains, and sweets that are offered to the rats by the devotees. The rats are harmless and friendly, and they will not bother you unless you disturb them. However, you should be careful not to step on them, as it is considered a bad omen. You should also remove your shoes and socks before entering the temple, as it is a sign of respect and hygiene.
The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of wonder and curiosity. You can observe the rats and their behavior, and try to spot a white rat among the black ones. You can also take photos and videos of the temple and the rats, but make sure to ask for permission and follow the rules. You can also interact with the priests and the devotees, and learn more about the temple and its history, legend, and significance.
The temple is also a place of peace and tranquility, where you can meditate, pray, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere. You can also explore the temple complex, and visit the garden, the pond, and the museum. You can also relax and admire the view of the city and the lakes from the hilltop.
Karni Mata Temple Udaipur: The Best Sunset and Viewpoint in Udaipur
One of the main reasons why the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur is a must-visit attraction is that it offers one of the best sunset and viewpoint spots in Udaipur, the city of lakes. From the temple, you can see the panoramic view of the city, the lakes, the palaces, the temples, and the hills, and witness the changing colors of the sky and the water as the sun sets. The view is breathtaking and mesmerizing, and will make you fall in love with Udaipur.
The best way to enjoy the sunset and the view is to arrive at the temple before sunset, and take the ropeway to the hilltop. You can then find a good spot to watch the sunset, and take photos and videos of the scenery. You can also stay at the temple until the night, and see the city lights and the stars from the hilltop. You can also join the evening aarti, or the prayer ceremony, that takes place at the temple, and experience the divine and festive mood.
Some of the tips and recommendations on how to make the most of the sunset and the view are:
- The best spot to watch the sunset and the view is the terrace of the temple, where you can see the whole city and the lakes.
- The best season to visit the temple is during winter, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and clear, and the sunsets are more colorful and vibrant.
- The best camera to capture the sunset and the view is a DSLR or a smartphone with a good camera and a tripod, as the light conditions can be tricky and the photos can be blurry.
- The best company to enjoy the sunset and the view is your loved ones, as you can share the magical and romantic moment with them.
The Karni Mata Temple Udaipur is a unique and unforgettable attraction that you should not miss when you visit Udaipur, the city of lakes. The temple is not only a fascinating cultural and religious site, but also one of the best sunset and viewpoint spots in Udaipur. The temple will surprise you with its history, legend, significance, rats, and view, and will make you appreciate the diversity and beauty of India. If you are looking for a memorable and adventurous experience in India, then you should definitely visit the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur, a rat’s paradise and a traveler’s delight.
If you are interested in visiting the Karni Mata Temple Udaipur, you can book your tickets and accommodation through Tripoto, the leading travel platform in India. Tripoto offers the best deals and discounts on flights, hotels, and tours, and also provides the best travel guides and tips for your trip. You can also share your travel stories and photos with the Tripoto community, and get inspired by other travelers. To book your trip to Udaipur and the Karni Mata Temple, visit Tripoto.com or download the Tripoto app today.
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