The Karni Mata Temple alias ‘Temple of rats’ is a place where humans and rodents coexist in harmony, with rats freely roaming the temple grounds and being revered by believers.
The temple is located in the small desert town of Deshnoke in northwestern India and stands as a remarkable testament to the intertwining of spirituality, tradition, and reverence for life in Hindu culture.
It houses over 15,000 rats whom the pilgrims believe are a reincarnation of their ancestors.
The name Karni Mata belongs to a goddess believed to be the incarnation of Durga, the Hindu goddess of power and victory.
As such, rodents in the temple, known as kabbas, are seen as the reincarnated souls of ancestors embodying the goddess’ protective influence.
Albino rats present at the temple symbolize a special blessing and are considered good luck and spiritual progress.
Additionally, pilgrims from all over the globe gather at the temple to pay their respects as it is believed that the goddess performed numerous miracles, strengthening her divine reputation.
In Hinduism, rats are considered a unique symbol of Lord Ganesha’s capability to conquer obstacle and a link between the worshippers and the gods.
The bi-annual events like the Karni Mata Fair, a cultural spectacle featuring folk music, dances, processions, and local handicrafts bring life to the temple.
Besides, relevant authorities with support from local community take care of them by offering sacrifices to them in form of food items including milk, cheese and bananas.
Aside from feeding the rodents, residents also eat from the same bowls as the rats and allow their children to freely interact with the rats.
About Karni Mata Temple
The temple’s origin stems from the life of Karni Mata, a woman who lived in Rajasthan during the 14th to 16th centuries and was of the Charan caste (hereditary class).
The goddess was an oracle in Hindu tradition who was the seventh born daughter of Charan Rajput clan in 1387 AD in Suwap village of Jodhpur district.
She was believed to be the incarnation of Durga, the Hindu goddess of power and victory who was originally known as Ridhu Bai.
It is believed that Karni Mata beseeched Yama, the god of death, following the death of her stepson to bring him back to life.
This led to a proclamation that her family would experience a cycle of rat incarnation prior to attaining human reincarnation.
Likewise, Karni Marta is considered a symbol of devotion, legend, and the enduring power of faith in the face of the extraordinary.
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When the Temple was Established
Legend has it that, the first rat temple was established in Rajasthan in the 1400’s and it was then that a Charan mystic named Karni Mata made a deal with the god of death.
Karni Mata temple represents a unique cultural and religious landmark, showing the harmonious coexistence of humans and rats, reflecting a profound belief in how beings are interconnected in forms of life.
It transports visitors to a bygone era through its intricate architecture alongside latticework and silver embellishments subsequently evoking a timeless environment.
Moreover, the Temple is a place where thousands of rats are worshipped as sacred deities, in the form of the divine presence of Karni Mata, an esteemed figure in Hindu mythology.
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Charan is a caste in South Asia natively residing in the Rajasthan and Gujarat states of India, as well as the Sindh and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan.
This established the temple’s unique connection to rats and the belief in their sacred nature.
However, the temple’s unique ecosystem has been a subject of controversy with regards to hygiene and sanitation.
Visitors are expected to be respecting the sanctity of the space by adhering to temple rules, such as removing shoes and dressing decently.
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