Happy TravellerWelcome to Deshnoke, a small city located in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India. This city is famous for the Karni Mata Temple, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. But there’s more to Deshnoke than just the temple. Let’s explore the history, geography, demographics, and attractions of this hidden gem.
== History ==
Deshnoke was established by Goddess Karni-ji herself, who led her followers to this region. The village was established on Vaisakh Sudi 2nd of Samvat 1476 (1419 AD) by Bhagwati Karniji Maharaj. In course of time, the village Deshnak came to be known as Deshnoke.
== Geography ==
Deshnoke is located at 27°47′26″N 73°20′27″E. It has an average elevation of 265 meters (869 feet).
== Demographics ==
As of the 2001 Indian census, Deshnoke had a population of 15,791. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Deshnoke has an average literacy rate of 51%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 60% and female literacy is 41%. In Deshnoke, 19% of the population is under 6 years of age.
== Karni Mata Temple ==
The Karni Mata Temple is the main attraction of Deshnoke. Located near the Pakistan border, this temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu sage who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is famous for its population of rats, which are considered sacred by the locals. Visitors are not allowed to wear shoes inside the temple and must be careful not to step on the rats. During Navratri, thousands of devotees visit the temple mainly from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and also from Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.
== Other Attractions ==
Apart from the Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke has a few other attractions that are worth visiting. The Ganga Government Museum is a small museum that showcases the history and culture of Bikaner. The museum has a collection of ancient coins, sculptures, paintings, and weapons. The Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm is another interesting place to visit. This farm is home to hundreds of camels and is a great place to learn about the breeding and training of camels.
== Local Cuisine ==
Deshnoke is known for its delicious Rajasthani cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, and bajre ki roti. The local street food is also worth trying. Some of the popular street food items include kachori, samosa, and chaat.
Deshnoke may be a small city, but it has a lot to offer to tourists. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Deshnoke has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head to this hidden gem in Rajasthan for an unforgettable experience.
