A road trip from Pushkar to the mystique temple of Deshnok is much more in the shifting sands and the deeply etched stories of Rajasthan. If Pushkar cherishes you in the tranquil arms of Lord Brahma and the sacred Sarovar, Deshnok offers a sanctity, one no less powerful in its ability to soothe your soul. The road trip weaves together two of the most distinctive holy sites of the state in a seamless journey by car. Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings from the “Miraculous Mother” or a curious traveller desiring to see the world-famous “Rat Temple,” understanding the practicalities of this tour.
Distance between Pushkar and Deshnok:
The distance by road between Pushkar and Deshnok lies between 215 and 235 kms, depending on which route and from Pushkar.
By car, it takes 4 to 5 hours to complete this journey by a private car. The easiest way to reach the national highway towards Nagaur (NH62), then proceed to Bikaner. The roads are well-maintained, though there are desert regions where the sand blown by the wind affects the road.
By bus, it can also be accomplished by the government-run RSRTC as well as private buses on a regular basis. Although there are few direct buses, most people take a bus to Nagaur, followed by another bus to Deshnok. Travelling by bus from Pushkar to Deshnok takes around 5.5 to 7 hours.
By train, one needs to come to Ajmer Junction and then take trains to Bikaner or Nokha and then avail the local taxi or automatic rickshaw.
About Deshnok:
Deshnok is a historically rich city located in the Bikaner district, around 30 kms south of Bikaner city. The town was founded in the early 15th century by Karni Mata, a philosopher and warrior who is worshipped as an avatar of Goddess Durga. The name Deshnok has its origin from the terms “Desh” (Country) and “Nok” (Corners/Shield), a testament to its importance as a shielding border for the region’s Rathore king. Life in Deshnok revolves wholly around the temple, and the people are deeply devoted to the Goddess legends. Highly characteristic of the Thar Desert, the landscape is arid, sparsely vegetated and marked by high temperatures, ranging from the piercing heat of the summer to the cold winter months. Besides its small size, Deshnok is among the major global tourism and spirituality hotspots, where thousands of people visit each day to experience for themselves the harmonious coexistence of humans and sacred rats.
Deshnok Karni Mata Temple –
The Karni Mata Temple is the most renowned and unique temple within the state of Rajasthan and perhaps the whole of India. It has gained fame as the “Rat Temple” as it houses around 25,000 black rats or “Kabas.” The most fascinating attraction of this shrine is the reason behind the worship of the rats. Karni Mata’s stepson, Laxman, died in a pond as he was attempting to quench his thirst for water. Karni Mata asked the god of death, Yama, to bring her son back to life. Yama was initially unwilling, but later changed his mind, and as a result, the Charan lineage of Karni Mata’s family was able to take birth as rats. It is a belief that the rats die and are reborn as human beings, while a kaba takes birth if a person from the Charan family dies.
Entry via the temple, and travellers are obliged to enter the temple barefoot. While the thought of thousands of racing rats over one’s feet is perhaps a little intimidating, they are harmless and quite shy. In case one of them crawls over your feet, it bodes well, but you must be very careful; accidentally treading on or killing one is considered a serious sin, and penance is usually given by gifting a rat made from solid gold or silver to the temple.
Car Rental for Pushkar to Deshnok:
The most convenient and flexible transfer from Pushkar to Deshnok would be a car rental. Our car rental services in Pushkar for outstation taxi services. These cars are driven by professionally trained drivers, aware of the desert roads and will take care of the passengers accordingly. The packages offered to the customers are “all-inclusive,” including fuel charges, driver’s allowance, and state taxes. The best part of our car rental services is the ability to leave from Pushkar as early as 5:00 AM to visit the temple when the sun isn’t too hot and then return late in the evening. The opportunity to visit the Nagaur fort en route or the Camel Research Centre in Bikaner will be available.
FAQs on Pushkar to Deshnok Distance:
Is it safe to go to the temple if I have a terror of rats?
The rats Kabas are well versed with the presence of humans, so it is very rare to get bitten or for attacks to occur. They are present everywhere. If you have a deep phobia, it can be quite overwhelming for the experiences to occur. Most people find that the spiritual setting resolves their first-hand reservations.
What is the best time of the day to visit?
Early morning, just around the time of sunrise, or in the late evening, is the best time to witness the ceremony. This is when the rats are most active, and the Aarti is performed by the temple priests. Most of the rodents make the crevices of the temple walls their homes, where it is cooler and shaded, especially during the summer months.