The history of Karni Mata Temple Alwar has a very mysterious air around it because no one knows exactly is the authentic history of this temple. Many tales are told to the visitors daily, the two most well-known tales of this temple are:
Karni Mata’s stepson drowned in a pond in the Kolayat Tehsil while he was attempting to drink water from it. Karni Mata could not accept the fact and prayed to the God of death Yamraj to give back the life of her son. The Lord initially denied her request but after seeing her determination he agreed to reincarnate her son Laxman as a rat. He also said that all her male children will reincarnate as rats. The white ones are said to be the ones closest to Karni Mata. 

This is followed by another saga that is widely known to all those who have been to the temple. It is said that an army marched towards Deshnoke after winning over a village. Karni Mata did not appreciate their actions and considered them to be sinful. Upon reaching Deshnoke the soldiers were punished by Karni Mata and were turned into rats. The temple was offered to them as a place to reside and they were grateful to her for not killing them. Then the soldiers promised to serve Karni Mata forever.
 

The Karni Mata temple that we see today was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. This temple was built entirely in marble in the 15th century and is constructed along the lines of Mughal architecture. The image of the goddess in the temple holds a trident in her hand. The main temple of the goddess has gates made of silver, these massive gates were donated by Maharaja Gaj Singh during his visit to the temple. The doors here portray the legends of Karni Mata. The temple was renovated by Kundanlal Verma of Hyderabad in 1999.

• The Karni Mata fair is an event that is organized twice a year in the temple premises itself. 
• The Navratri marks the arrival of the first fair which is held from March to April. 
• The second fair is organized in September. That is also held during the Navratras and devotees stop by in huge numbers to visit the temple barefooted.
   

• Wear appropriate clothes while visiting the temple and be mentally prepared because you may come out with sticky feet.
• Carry along a water bottle and something to eat. 
• If you are phobic of rats then you should avoid going to this temple.
• Plan your trip well in advance and if you are visiting during the fair or any festival then be prepared to be manhandled by the crowd. 
   

The best time to visit the sanctum is from March to April or from September to October that is when the festivals and fairs, celebrations are at their peak. However, the temples have no best time to visit as they are pilgrim sites and devotees can visit the deity whenever they wish to seek blessings.

• Gajner Palace Bikaner
• Osian Mata Temple
• Lallgarh Palace
• Junagarh Fort
   

• Avoid stepping on a rat and try not to lift your feet while walking, just drag them it may sound weird but that is what most of the devotees do. 
• Consuming food that has been nibbled by the rats in the temple is considered a blessing and consumed by the devotees in the form of prasadam. This prasadam is said to bring in good fortune. 
• It is considered lucky if a rat is over your feet. If you spot a white rat then it is your lucky day because the white rats are considered to be the sons of Karni Mata. 
• If by any chance a devotee ends up killing a rat then they will have to replace it with a rat made of either silver or gold.