Karni Mata Temple: A Temple Where 25000 Rats Live And Accept Prasad From Devotees

Add as a preferred source on Google

Built in the Mughal style by Ganga Singh of Bikaner, this shrine is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga. It is located in Deshkote near Bikaner in Rajasthan India.

The idol is 75 cm tall and resides along with her sisters in the inner sanctum. Goddess Karni, is an avatar of Durga.The rats that surround this place in huge numbers are actually believed to be the descendants of the deity and they are called Kabbas.

People feed these rats willingly as these rats carry Karni Matas blessings with them. In any case, if one rat dies, it is replaced by a silver replica of it made by the devotees. Here are a few astonishing facts about the temple of Rats.

This temple is shrouded in mysteries. Let us read about them one by one. Maharaj Ganga Singh constructed this temple in 20th century,

This temple is where 25000 kabbas or rats are found to coexist. Offerings partially eaten by rats are considered very sacred and devotees' throng to this temple to consume it.

Despite sharing food with the rats, none of the devotees have developed plague. As per one legend, these rats were soldiers who fled the battlefield and faced death as punishment. Karni Mata took mercy on them and transformed them into rats in the temple.

Spotting a white rat amidst the black rats is considered extremely lucky and equal to seeing mata herself. A person is really lucky if he spots a white rat in the temple.None of the rats cross the main door and go outside.

If any rat is killed unintentionally, it must be replaced with a similar sized rat in gold. foundation of the old Bikaner Fort that existed before the Junagarh Fort was built was laid by Karni Mata.Karni Mata fair is held during the two navratris, that occur during a year.

Of all Karni mata temples in Rajasthan, Deshnok is the only temple with rats.Karni Mata is known to protect the black buck of Rajastan which is a very sacred animal for the Vishnoi tribe.

The Karni Mata Temple has marble facades, silver doors and lion sculptures on either sides of the entrance.When any of these rats die, they do not produce a foul stench.

Even if one rat is killed here, it must replaced with an idol made of gold. There are a few white rats staying here as well, that are believed to be the incarnation of Karni mata and her four sons.

Generally, the temple opens for public at 4 a.m., daily. It is believed here that eating the food tasted by the Rats brings Good Luck and Honour to the worshippers.