Karni Mata

Karni Mata, also known as Bhagwati Karniji Maharaj, is a revered figure in Hindu mythology, celebrated as a goddess of power and victory. Born in the year one thousand three hundred eighty-seven, she is believed to have lived between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries in the region of Western Rajasthan. Her legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of the Rajputs and Charans of northwestern India, where she is venerated as a tutelary deity.

As a warrior sage, Karni Mata played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Rajput hegemony in the region. With her divine blessings, notable rulers such as Rao Jodha and Rao Bika were able to found the kingdoms of Jodhpur and Bikaner, respectively. Her influence extended to the construction of significant forts, including the Bikaner Fort and Mehrangarh Fort, at the behest of the Maharajas of these kingdoms.

Karni Mata led an ascetic life, earning widespread reverence during her lifetime. She is also recognized as an incarnation of Hinglaj or Durga, embodying the spirit of protection and strength. The Indian Army troops from the Marwar region regard her as their patron deity, further solidifying her importance in the cultural fabric of the area.

The most famous shrine dedicated to her is the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, which serves as a sacred sanctuary for all living beings. This temple, along with the surrounding Oran land, is a place where no harm is to befall any creature. In Rajasthan, blackbucks are particularly revered, as they are believed to be under the protection of Karni Mata.