Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), Deshnoke: Dress Code & Temple Rules

• Remove footwear before entering; you will walk barefoot across the marble floor and directly among the rats, so socks are commonly worn for comfort and hygiene
• Dress modestly and conservatively; cover shoulders and legs, as at any active Hindu shrine
• Never step on, kick or harm a kaba (temple rat); by tradition, killing one must be atoned for by replacing it with a rat made of solid gold or silver
• If a rat runs across your feet, treat it as good fortune rather than recoiling; it is considered a blessing
• Spotting one of the rare white rats is regarded as especially auspicious, a glimpse of the goddess and her sons
• Prasad and food nibbled by the kabas is considered sanctified (juthan) and is eaten by devotees as holy
• Move slowly and keep noise down out of respect; the rats are unafraid and underfoot everywhere
• Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard, but avoid flash near the animals and check current on-site rules

The single rule every visitor must accept before entering is that you go barefoot, and you will be walking barefoot directly among the rats across a marble floor they cross constantly. Many pilgrims wear socks for comfort and a little hygiene; it is entirely acceptable. Beyond that, dress modestly and conservatively as you would at any living Devi shrine, covering shoulders and legs.

The temple-specific etiquette is really about the kabas. You must never step on, kick or harm one; tradition holds that killing a rat is a grave offence to be atoned for by donating a rat figure made of solid gold or silver. Conversely, the omens run the other way for good luck: if a rat scurries over your feet, that is a blessing, not a mishap to flinch from, and catching sight of one of the handful of white rats, believed to be Karni Mata and her sons, is the most auspicious moment of all.

Approach the whole space slowly and quietly. The rats are fearless and are everywhere underfoot, so watch your step out of respect rather than squeamishness. Photography is usually permitted in the courtyard, but skip the flash near the animals and check the current on-site notices, as rules can tighten during festival crowds.

Compiled from public sources including Wikipedia: Karni Mata · Wikipedia: Karni Mata Temple (Deshnoke) · Wikipedia: Deshnoke · Tour My India: Karni Mata Temple. Timings and seasonal closures change; confirm with the temple trust before travelling.