Located in Deshnoke near Bikaner, Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple is unlike any other shrine in India, and perhaps the world. The reason behind its uniqueness lies not in its intricate marble panels or solid silver doors, but in its inhabitants – thousands of holy rats, known as "kabbas." These rats are revered by devotees who flock from various parts of India, making this temple one of the strangest yet fascinating attractions in the country.
Karni Mata, an incarnation of the goddess Durga according to local belief, is said to have established this temple in the 15th century. Legend has it that when the son of one of her clansmen died, Karni Mata attempted to bring him back to life, only to be told by Yama, the god of death, that the child had already been reincarnated as a rat. Following this, Karni Mata decreed that all of her tribespeople would be reborn as rats until they could be born back into the clan. Consequently, the rats in this temple are considered to be the descendants and future ancestors of Karni Mata’s clansmen.
Visitors and pilgrims treat these rats with utmost respect and care. Seeing a white rat among the thousands of predominantly black rats is considered especially auspicious, and pilgrims strive to offer food which is first consumed by the rats before being distributed among the devotees. Moreover, having a rat run across your feet is regarded as a blessing, and consuming food or water touched by the rats is believed to bring good fortune.
The architecture of the Karni Mata Temple mirrors typical Rajput style with elaborations that emphasize its spiritual significance. The silver doors and marble carvings depict various legends associated with the goddess and her temple. Despite the unusual nature of rat worship, the atmosphere inside the temple is one of reverence and devotion, reflecting a unique blend of mysticism and unusual traditional practices.
Karni Mata Temple invites a mix of curiosity, devotion, and awe, symbolizing a key aspect of India’s rich cultural tapestry. It challenges common perceptions of spirituality and reverence, presenting an extraordinary form of worship that highlights the diversity and depth of Indian religious practices. For travelers seeking experiences beyond the conventional, a visit to Karni Mata Temple offers a glimpse into the profound and often mystical aspects of Indian heritage.
