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Have you ever heard of a temple where rats are worshipped as gods? If not, then you are in for a surprise. Karni Mata Temple is a unique and fascinating place in Rajasthan, where thousands of rats roam freely and receive the devotion of the pilgrims. In this article, we will explore the history, legend, and significance of this temple, and why it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to experience the diversity and richness of Indian culture.
Who is Karni Mata?
Karni Mata was a female saint and mystic who lived in the 14th-15th century. She is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the supreme goddess of power and victory in Hinduism. She was born in a Charan family, a group of bards and storytellers who are known for their bravery, loyalty, and wisdom. She was married to a prince of Jodhpur, but she renounced her worldly life and became a wandering ascetic. She performed many miracles and helped many people in need. She is especially revered by the Charans, who consider her as their protector and benefactor.
How did the rats become sacred?
One of the most popular legends associated with Karni Mata is the story of how she made the rats sacred. According to the legend, one of her sons, Laxman, drowned in a water tank while trying to drink water. Karni Mata was grief-stricken and pleaded with the god of death, Yama, to bring him back to life. Yama refused, saying that death is irreversible. Karni Mata then challenged Yama and declared that from then on, none of her family members would die, but instead be reborn as rats. Yama agreed to this boon, and since then, the rats in the temple are considered to be the reincarnated descendants of Karni Mata's clan.
What is special about the temple?
The temple is located in the town of Deshnoke, about 30 km from Bikaner. It was built in the 15th-20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, who was a devotee of Karni Mata and a patron of the Charans. The temple has a beautiful marble facade and intricate carvings and houses a museum that showcases various artefacts related to Karni Mata and the Charans. The temple is famous for having over 25,000 rats, called kabbas, that are considered holy and the reincarnated descendants of Karni Mata's family. The temple attracts many devotees and tourists who come to seek the blessings of Karni Mata and the rats. It is considered auspicious to see a white rat, which is rare, or to have a rat run over your feet. The devotees also feed the rats with milk, grains, and sweets, and consider it auspicious to eat the leftovers of the rats.
When is the best time to visit the temple?
The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit the temple is during the biannual festival, called the Karni Mata Fair, in March-April and September-October. During this time, thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple to celebrate and worship. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion. The festival is also a time to enjoy the local culture and cuisine, and to witness the performances of the Charans, who sing and narrate the stories of Karni Mata and her miracles.
What else can you do near the temple?
If you are in Udaipur, you can also visit another temple dedicated to Karni Mata, which is located on the Machla Magra Hills near Doodh Talai Lake. To reach this temple, you can either climb 1050 stairs from Maniklal Verma Park or take a four-minute ropeway ride from Deendayal Upadhyaya Park. The ropeway offers a scenic view of the city and the lakes. The temple is smaller and quieter than the one in Deshnoke, but it also has a few rats that are worshipped by the devotees. The temple also offers a panoramic view of the city and the lake and is a good place to relax and meditate.
