Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple full of rats? Well, wonder no more, because there is such a place in India, and it’s called the Karni Mata Temple. In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about this unique and fascinating destination, and why you should add it to your bucket list.
The Karni Mata Temple is located in the town of Deshnoke, in the state of Rajasthan, about 30 km south of Bikaner. It is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu goddess who is believed to be an incarnation of Durga, the goddess of power and victory. According to legend, Karni Mata lived in the 14th century and performed many miracles during her lifetime. One of them was resurrecting her son and his army, who were killed by a rival king. However, instead of bringing them back as humans, she brought them back as rats, because she had already reincarnated them as humans before. She then declared that all her descendants would be reborn as rats, and that they would live in her temple as her children.
The temple was built in the 15th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, who was a devotee of Karni Mata. It is made of marble and has intricate carvings and silver doors. The main attraction of the temple, however, is the thousands of rats that live inside it. They are called kabbas, which means little children in the local dialect. They are considered sacred and are treated with utmost respect and care by the priests and the pilgrims. They are fed with milk, grains, fruits and sweets, and are given water from a large silver bowl. They are also protected from predators by mesh wires and metal grills.
The rats are not afraid of humans and roam freely around the temple. They can be seen running on the floor, climbing on the walls, sleeping on the idols, and even nibbling on the offerings. The pilgrims consider it a blessing to see them and touch them. They also believe that if they spot a white rat among the black ones, they will have good luck and fortune. There are only a few white rats in the temple, and they are regarded as manifestations of Karni Mata herself.
The temple is open to visitors from 4 am to 10 pm every day. There is no entry fee, but you have to remove your shoes before entering. You also have to be careful not to step on any rats or hurt them in any way. If you accidentally kill a rat, you have to replace it with a gold or silver one of the same size and weight. You also have to follow some rules of hygiene and etiquette, such as washing your hands and feet before and after visiting the temple, not eating or drinking inside the temple, not taking photos or videos without permission, and not disturbing the rats or their habitat.
The Karni Mata Temple is not for everyone. Some people may find it disgusting or scary to be surrounded by so many rodents. Some may also question the logic or morality of worshipping animals that are usually considered pests or carriers of diseases. However, for those who are open-minded and adventurous, visiting the temple can be an unforgettable experience that will challenge their perceptions and broaden their horizons. It can also be an opportunity to witness a different culture and religion that has survived for centuries despite modernization and globalization.
So, if you are looking for something different and exciting to do in India, why not give the Karni Mata Temple a try? You may be surprised by what you discover and how you feel. Just remember to bring some courage and curiosity with you, and leave your prejudices and fears behind.
