Shri Karni Mata TEMPLE BIKANER (Rajasthan)

image taken from webduniya

A well-known Hindu temple called Karni Mata Temple, commonly referred to as the Temple of Rats or the Rat Temple, is situated in Deshnok, a tiny town in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered Hindu mystic and guru who is thought to possess supernatural abilities. 

The temple is well known for having a large population of rats, which the residents revere and venerate. These rats are meant to bring success and wealth to the devotees who attend the temple and are thought to be the reincarnated followers of Karni Mata.

Despite the vast number of rats living there, they are incredibly calm and submissive, which is part of the temple's mystery. Being disrespectful is advised, as it is thought to be unlucky to injure or disturb the rats in any way while visiting the temple. According to legend, the deity worshipped in the temple, Karni Mata, was a previous manifestation of the goddess Durga. She was a healer and possessed psychic capabilities who lived in the 14th century. According to legend, she worked numerous miracles while alive, and after her passing, her devotees started to venerate her as a god.

Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed the temple, which is a stunning building, in the late 19th century. It is composed of white marble and has amazing carvings and paintings all around it. A shrine honoring Karni Mata herself is among the several shrines housed in the temple's many courtyards. Before entering the temple, visitors must take off their shoes, and they are given a special powder to sprinkle on their feet to protect them from the rat droppings. A rat running over your feet is regarded as a sign of luck and a blessing from Karni Mata.

In conclusion, the mystery of Karni Mata Temple lies in its unique population of rats, which are considered sacred and worshipped by the locals. Despite their large numbers, the rats are remarkably peaceful and docile, and visitors are advised to show them respect and not to harm or disturb them in any way. The temple is a beautiful structure and is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu mystic and sage who is believed to have miraculous powers.

In addition to its unique population of rats, Karni Mata Temple is also shrouded in mystery and has several intriguing legends and stories associated with it. Here are some of the mysterious facts and information related to the temple:

1. The rats are believed to be reincarnated followers of Karni Mata. According to legend, Karni Mata had asked Yama, the god of death, to spare the lives of her followers and allow them to be reborn as rats. Yama agreed, and since then, the rats have been worshipped as the descendants of Karni Mata's devotees.

2. Despite the large number of rats in the temple, there are no incidents of disease or illness among the locals. It is believed that the rats are clean and healthy, and their presence is considered a blessing.

3. The temple has a strict rule against killing or harming the rats, and doing so is considered a sin. In fact, if a rat is accidentally killed, it must be replaced with a rat made of solid silver or gold.

4. Legend has it that the temple was once invaded by soldiers who tried to kill the rats. In retaliation, Karni Mata cursed the soldiers and turned them into rats themselves.

5. The temple is believed to have healing powers, and devotees come from far and wide to seek blessings and cure their ailments.

6. There is a belief that if a devotee offers food to the rats, it is considered an act of great devotion and is said to bring good luck and prosperity.

7. The rats are said to be very particular about the food they eat, and only eat food that has been touched or eaten by humans. It is also believed that the rats have a special liking for sweets.

8. The temple has several rituals and ceremonies that are unique to it. For example, every year during the festival of Navratri, a grand procession is held where the rats are dressed in tiny clothes and taken out for a ride on miniature chariots.

Overall, the Karni Mata Temple is a fascinating and mysterious place that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of India, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the country's mystical side.