Karni Mata Temple: Where Rats Are Revered as Holy Deities
In the heart of the desert state of Rajasthan, amidst the golden sands and ancient forts, lies a temple unlike any other. Welcome to the Karni Mata Temple, where thousands of rats scurry freely, revered as sacred beings by devotees from far and wide.
Located in the small town of Deshnoke, about 30 kilometers from the city of Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered female sage believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga. However, what truly sets this temple apart is its unique inhabitants - rats, or "kabbas" as they are locally known.
Legend has it that Karni Mata, who lived in the 14th century, possessed extraordinary powers, including the ability to bring the dead back to life. When her stepson, Laxman, drowned, Karni Mata implored the god of death, Yama, to revive him. When Yama refused, Karni Mata declared that none of her family members would ever face death again and would instead be reincarnated as rats. Thus, the rats of the Karni Mata Temple are believed to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata's family members.
Today, the temple is home to thousands of rats that roam freely throughout its halls and chambers. Far from being repelled by their presence, devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings and pay homage to the sacred rodents. It's believed that encountering a white rat, considered especially auspicious, brings good fortune and blessings.
Despite the initial shock of seeing rats in such abundance, visitors quickly acclimate to the unique atmosphere of the Karni Mata Temple. Devotees offer sweets, grains, and milk to the rats as a form of reverence, and it's not uncommon to see them feeding and interacting with the rodents with a sense of devotion and respect.
The Karni Mata Temple stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that define India's spiritual landscape. For centuries, devotees have flocked to this sacred site, drawn not only by their faith in Karni Mata but also by the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of rats coexisting harmoniously within its walls.
As you step into the Karni Mata Temple, surrounded by the pitter-patter of tiny feet and the curious gaze of countless eyes, you can't help but marvel at the boundless mysteries of faith and the profound ways in which they manifest in the world around us.
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Interesting story!!
ReplyDeleteBut, can you walk in presence of so many rats on the floor??
Dumb question 🥲
Not a dumb one tho🤔
Delete