Latest news with #KarniMata
India.com
12-06-2025
- India.com
Explore Udaipur City: A Budget-Friendly Guide To Free Adventures!
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is a place where history, culture, and stunning natural beauty come together. But what if you're traveling on a tight budget? No worries! You don't have to spend a fortune to experience the charm of this royal city. From scenic lake views and historic sites to vibrant streets and cultural hotspots, Udaipur offers plenty of attractions that cost absolutely nothing. If you're ready to explore without burning a hole in your pocket, here's how you can do it! a Stroll Around Lake Pichola One of the most beautiful and iconic spots in Udaipur, Lake Pichola is an absolute must-visit. Walking along its banks during sunrise or sunset is a magical experience. You can admire the grand Lake Palace floating in the middle, watch the changing colors of the sky reflected in the water, and even spot locals going about their daily routines. If you're lucky, you might even catch a traditional boatman singing old Rajasthani folk songs while rowing across the lake. And the best part? It's completely free! Quick Facts: Lake Pichola was created in 1362 AD by a local Banjara tribesman. The famous Lake Palace, now a luxury hotel, was once a royal summer retreat. Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset for the best views. the Old City and Its Colorful Streets Udaipur's old city is a maze of narrow lanes, filled with traditional houses, temples, and local markets. Walking through these bustling streets is like stepping into a living museum. You'll come across intricate wall paintings, beautifully carved balconies, and vibrant street art. Make sure to visit spots like Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat, where you can relax by the lake and soak in the lively atmosphere. You'll also find small workshops where artisans create handmade crafts—just watching them at work is an experience in itself! Quick Facts: Udaipur's old city dates back to the 16th century. The narrow lanes were designed to keep the city cool even in peak summers. Gangaur Ghat is a popular spot for photography and evening cultural performances. Karni Mata Temple for a Panoramic View If you love breathtaking views, a trip to Karni Mata Temple is a must. Located on a hilltop, this temple offers a panoramic view of Udaipur's skyline, lakes, and palaces. The best part? You can reach the top either by a ropeway (paid) or by taking a scenic uphill walk through a beautiful forested path—completely free! Once at the top, spend some time soaking in the peaceful vibes of the temple and watching the city from above. Sunset from here is an unforgettable sight. Quick Facts: The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu sage worshipped as a goddess. The walk up to the temple takes around 15-20 minutes. Best time to visit: Late afternoon or sunset for stunning city views. Cultural Performances at Bagore Ki Haveli (Outside) Bagore Ki Haveli is famous for its evening folk dance performances. While the entry to the show is ticketed, you can still enjoy the vibrant atmosphere outside. The open courtyard near the haveli often hosts impromptu musical performances, puppet shows, and local artists showcasing their talent. Just standing outside and soaking in the energy of the place is a great experience. Plus, the haveli itself is a beautiful historical structure, perfect for photography. Quick Facts: Bagore Ki Haveli was built in the 18th century by the Prime Minister of Mewar. The haveli has over 100 rooms with intricate mirror work and frescoes. Folk performances here showcase Rajasthan's traditional dance forms like Ghoomar and Bhavai. the Hidden Beauty of Ahar Cenotaphs Ahar Cenotaphs is a lesser-known but stunning historical site. This royal cremation ground houses more than 250 cenotaphs of the Mewar kings and queens, dating back over 350 years. The intricate marble structures, domes, and peaceful ambiance make it a great place to explore. Unlike the crowded tourist spots, Ahar remains quiet and serene, making it a perfect place for some peaceful reflection and photography. Quick Facts: Ahar was the royal cremation site for the Mewar dynasty for over 400 years. The site features cenotaphs of 19 maharajas of Mewar. It is located just 2 km from the city center. the Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the Garden of the Maidens, is a peaceful oasis filled with fountains, lotus pools, and lush greenery. While entry inside the main garden requires a ticket, the outer area and some portions of the garden are freely accessible. You can sit by the fountains, admire the architecture, or just relax under the shade of ancient trees. This place is a great escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering a glimpse into the royal leisure of Udaipur's past. Quick Facts: Built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen and her attendants. The fountains here work entirely on gravity without any pumps. Known for its beautiful marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. a Morning Aarti at Jagdish Temple One of the most famous temples in Udaipur, Jagdish Temple is a magnificent example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Visiting the temple is free, and attending the morning aarti (prayer ceremony) is a deeply spiritual experience. The rhythmic chants, temple bells, and devotional music create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Even if you're not religious, the architectural details of the temple—its intricately carved pillars, massive stone elephants, and stunning ceiling designs—are worth admiring. Quick Facts: Jagdish Temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. The main deity is Lord Vishnu, carved from a single piece of black stone. Morning aarti takes place daily around 5:30 AM. Final Thoughts Exploring Udaipur without spending a single dollar is absolutely possible! With its free attractions, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, this city offers endless opportunities to experience its charm without worrying about your budget. So put on your walking shoes, charge your phone for all those Instagram-worthy clicks, and get ready to discover the best of Udaipur—without spending a rupee! Have you explored Udaipur on a budget? Share your favorite free experiences in the comments!
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Explained: Story of ‘rat temple' near Bikaner, visited by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 24) visited the Karni Mata temple in Deshnok, a small town about 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Dubbed the 'rat temple', this historical place of worship is famous for being the home to tens of thousands of kabas (rats), which are considered sacred and protected. Karni Mata, also known as Ridhi Kanwar or Ridhu Bai, is believed to have been a 14th–15th sage, and an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is said to have been born in 1387 CE in the village of Suwap near Phalodi, about 100 km from Deshnok, into a Charan family. (Traditionally, Charans are bards, or court poets and genealogists.) It is said that Ridhi Kanwar was in her mother's womb for 21 months, and her coming was foretold by Goddess Durga herself, who appeared in her mother's dreams. Upon performing many miracles while growing up, Ridhi Kanwar was given the name Karni Mata. Historical details of Karni Mata's life are scant, and much of what is known about her comes from oral tradition and hagiographies, such as the Karni Mata Charitra, which portray her as a spiritual leader who performed miracles and supported rulers including Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, and Rao Bika ji, the founder of Bikaner. It is said that both Jodhpur and Bikaner were established in 1459 and 1488, respectively, with Karni Mata's blessings. Her followers say she lived for 151 years, before her 'ascension' in 1538 AD. The present structure of the Karni Mata Temple was commissioned in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. 'Karni Mata represents a blend of folk sainthood and goddess worship unique to western Rajasthan,' notes Prof Lindsey Harlan, in Religion and Rajput Women: The Ethic of Protection in Contemporary Narratives (University of California Press, 1992). Charans consider Karni Mata as not just a goddess but also as their kuldevi (tutelary deity). The priests at the Karni Mata temple have traditionally been Charans, who trace their lineage to her family. The community maintains custodianship of the temple. 'For the Charans, Karni Mata is not only divine but a blood relation, which reinforces their caste identity and social authority in the region' wrote Prof Ann Grodzins Gold, in Fruitful Journeys: The Ways of Rajasthani Pilgrims (University of California Press, 1988). Karni Mata is also deeply venerated by Rathore Rajputs, the dominant warrior caste in the region. Her blessings to Rao Jodha and Rao Bika, both Rathore kings, leads to many many Rajput clans in Rajasthan considering her their royal protector and family deity. 'The Karni Mata cult reflects the intertwining of folk sainthood with the political legitimisation of early Rajput kingdoms,' noted Prof Harlan. The first Karni Sena, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena (SRKS) which was created in 2006, derives its name from Karni Mata. Karni Mata is also worshipped by other castes, including the Meghwals and Malis. Her reputation as a just, miracle-working saint who protected her people transcends caste, and her temple offers equal access to devotees. Locally known as kabas, rats are believed to be incarnations of Karni Mata's family members. Legend has it that when her stepson Laxman, also known as Lakhan, drowned, Karni Mata asked Yama, the god of death, to revive him. Yama relented and allowed him and other members of her lineage to be reborn as rats, avoiding the cycle of death and rebirth. Other legends say that when Yamaraj said he was unable to do so, Karni Mata herself revived Lakhan and decreed that her family members would no longer die but be re-incarnated as rats. Hundreds of families living near the temple claim to be descendants of Karni Mata. This belief has transformed the rodents into holy beings: rats are considered to be Karni Mata's descendants, who will then take birth as humans, and then again as rats again in the temple, and so on. There are more beliefs surrounding the rats, one being that despite the presence of a large number of rats, there have been no diseases or infection; that their numbers have mostly stayed the same over the centuries; that there is no foul smell when they die; and that they don't leave the temple premises. The prasad touched by the rats is also considered sacred and followers say that it holds the power to cure ailments. Moreover, spotting a white rat is considered auspicious. The temple holds immense significance for the armed forces in the district bordering Pakistan. That said, the temple's association with the armed forces dates back to the pre-Independence era, long before Pakistan was on the map. Col Mahendra Singh Chandel (retd), recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal, said: 'Karni Mata has been a deity of the erstwhile Bikaner state's armed forces: the Karni Battalion, Sadul Infantry, Dungar Lancers, Vijay Battery and the Ganga Risala. Of these, the Sadul Infantry and Karni Battalion were converted into the 19 Rajput Battalion, which is still sometimes known as 19 Rajput Karni Battalion. Similarly, the Vijay Battery was merged into 41 Field Regiment Artillery and is still sometimes known as 41 Field Karni Regiment.' As part of the tradition, the Commanding Officers of the 19 Rajput Battalion visit the temple whenever they take over. And, during navratra, two non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are sent to the temple to make special offerings on behalf of the Battalion. Karni Mata is seen as a symbol of divine feminine power and is invoked for courage, protection and success, particularly by soldiers with Rajasthani roots. It is common for serving soldiers from the region to visit the temple in uniform, offer prayers, and seek blessings before joining field duty or deployment. 'Military reverence for Karni Mata reflects the traditional martial values of Rajputana, where deities are protectors and guardians in both spiritual and battlefield realms,' said Col R S Rathore (retd), in an interview published in the Journal of Indian Military History, 2015.
News18
22-05-2025
- News18
PM Modi Visits Karni Mata Temple In Bikaner; Here's Everything To Know About The Sacred Rat Temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Bikaner, on Wednesday. This temple is also called the 'Rat Temple' because thousands of rats live here and are treated as sacred. People believe these rats are the souls of Karni Mata's devotees, and seeing a white rat is considered very lucky. Watch the video to know everything about this holy place and PM Modi's visit. lifestyle news | health updates | travel stories | lifestyle | news18 | n18oc_lifestyleLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
World is surprised seeing development in India, says PM Modi in Bikaner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Rajasthan's Bikaner on Thursday. He also inaugurated 102 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of approximately Rs 1,100 crore. These include a mix of major and minor stations spread across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Addressing the public rally, PM Modi said, "Today, I came in front of you all after seeking the blessings of Karni Mata. Due to the blessings of Karni Mata, our resolution of Viksit Bharat is strengthening. Just a few minutes back, the inauguration and foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were laid. I congratulate the people of Rajasthan for this." "To make a Viksit Bharat, today, an extensive campaign is ongoing to develop a modernised infrastructure in the country. To modernise the roads, highways, trains and railway stations, work has been done with an unprecedented pace in the last 11 years. Today, the amount spent by the nation on these infrastructural developments is six times what was used before," he said. "Today, even the world is surprised seeing the developmental works being carried out by India," PM Modi said, giving examples of Chenab Bridge, Arunachal Pradesh's Sela Tunnel, Mumbai's Atal Setu and Pamban Bridge in South India. The Prime Minister also said that today, India is "modernising" its train network by introducing trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, which shows the "new pace and progress of the country's technology." Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also offered prayers at the sacred Karni Mata Temple, followed by a visit to the newly redeveloped Deshnoke railway station. This station is one of the 103 stations revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. PM Modi also flagged off the new Bikaner-Mumbai Express train. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across the country are being upgraded to offer enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and culturally rich designs. A total of 103 stations, modernised for Rs 1,100 crore, were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. These include eight stations in Rajasthan -- Fatehpur Shekhawati, Deshnok, Bundi, Mandalgarh, Gogamedi, Rajgarh, Govindgarh, and Mandawar-Mahua Road. The Deshnoke station, in particular, has been designed to reflect local architectural traditions, including temple-style arches and decorative pillars. As part of this vision, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the 58 km Churu-Sadulpur rail line and dedicated the electrification of key railway sections, including Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km), Phulera-Degana (109 km), Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km), Phalodi–Jaisalmer (157 km), and Samdari–Barmer (129 km). In terms of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched projects aimed at both enhancing civilian connectivity and strengthening national security. This includes laying the foundation for three vehicular underpasses on NH-58 in Pushkar, as well as the widening of NH-11 and NH-70. Additionally, he dedicated seven major national highway projects worth Rs 4,850 crore, which are expected to improve military mobility and boost the regional economy. The Prime Minister's visit also emphasised India's commitment to clean energy. He laid the foundation stone for several solar power initiatives, including a 300 MW ground-mounted solar project by NEEPCO in Bikaner and a 100 MW project by SJVN in Nawa. Solar projects in Didwana and Kuchaman were also initiated. Transmission systems under Powergrid's Sirohi and Mewar divisions were launched to enhance grid connectivity. Furthermore, he inaugurated three key power infrastructure projects -- Power Grid Neemuch Transmission System, a power evacuation project in Bikaner, and capacity expansion of the Fatehgarh-II Power Station. Among other projects, the 500 MW Kalasar and 300 MW Shimbhu Ka Bhurj solar power plants will play a pivotal role in strengthening India's renewable energy framework, supported by indigenous solar PV modules under the "Make in India" mission. Strengthening regional connectivity further, the Prime Minister launched the upgradation and maintenance of 12 state highways covering 757 km under the Rajasthan State Highway Development Programme, with a total investment of Rs 3,240 crore. Prominent routes include Mangaliyawas-Padukalan (State Highway-102), Beawar-Tehla-Alniyawas (SH-59 and SH-104), and Dantiwada-Pipar-Merta City (SH-21). Plans are in place for the future upgradation of another 900 km of roadways, including the Gotan-Sathin Highway, linking industrial and border areas more efficiently. To bolster the state's healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister also inaugurated four new nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur. These institutions will help strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to quality medical education across Rajasthan. In addition, two electrical substations -- 132 kV GSS Rajpura in Bikaner and 132 kV GSS Sarda in Udaipur -- will be inaugurated to improve power distribution in the region. These upgrades are a vital part of ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply across the state.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
PM Modi in Rajasthan, inaugurates redeveloped railway station in Bikaner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 22, 2025) offered prayers at the Karni Mata temple and inaugurated the redeveloped Deshnok railway station in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. Mr. Modi also flagged-off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express from Deshnok and will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth more than ₹26,000 crore. Inspired by temple architecture, the revamped Deshnok station located near the Karni Mata temple will cater to thousands of pilgrims visiting the shrine each year. Prime Minister Modi will also address a public gathering in Palana. Besides, Mr. Modi will virtually inaugurate 103 redeveloped 'Amrit Stations' in 86 districts across 18 states and Union territories, which have been built at a cost of ₹1,100 crore. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and others.
