Karni Mata Temple: The Temple of Rats

If you are looking for a unique and fascinating temple in India, you should not miss the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu sage who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is famous for being home to thousands of rats, who are considered sacred and worshipped by the devotees. In this blogpost, I will tell you more about the history, architecture, and beliefs of this temple, and why you should visit it.

History:

The Karni Mata Temple was built in the 15th century by a wealthy merchant named Bhandasa Oswal, who was a follower of Karni Mata. He wanted to create a temple that would honour his guru and her teachings. The temple was completed by his daughter in 1541, and is also known as Bhandashah Jain Temple, after its founder.

The temple is famous for its legend, which explains why there are rats in the temple. According to the legend, Karni Mata’s stepson, Laxman, drowned in a pond while trying to drink water. Karni Mata went to Yama, the god of death, and asked him to revive her stepson. Yama refused, saying that death cannot be reversed. Karni Mata then declared that from then on, her family members would not die, but would be reincarnated as rats. She also said that the rats would live in her temple and would be protected and revered by her followers. Yama agreed to this and brought Laxman back to life as a rat. Since then, the rats in the temple are believed to be the descendants of Karni Mata and her family.

Architecture:

The Karni Mata Temple is a three-storey temple, made of marble and stone. The temple has a domed roof and is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings. The temple has a main gate, which is adorned with silver and gold. The temple also has a courtyard, where the rats can roam freely.

The main attraction of the temple is the inner sanctum, where the idol of Karni Mata is placed. The idol is made of marble and is dressed in colourful clothes and jewellery. The idol is surrounded by rats, who are fed and cared for by the priests and the devotees. The rats are also offered milk, sweets, grains, and fruits by the visitors, who consider it a blessing to share food with them.

The temple also has a museum, which displays various artifacts and relics related to Karni Mata and her followers. The museum has manuscripts, coins, sculptures, paintings, and weapons that belong to the Charan caste, who are the devotees of Karni Mata. The museum also has a replica of the pond where Laxman drowned, and a statue of Yama, the god of death.

Beliefs:

The Karni Mata Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of wonder and curiosity. There are many beliefs and practices that are associated with this temple, such as:

• The rats in the temple are considered holy and are called kabbas, which means children. The rats are believed to be the reincarnations of Karni Mata and her family and are treated with respect and love by the devotees. The rats are also believed to have divine powers and can grant wishes and blessings to the visitors.
• The rats in the temple are of two colours: black and white. The black rats are more common and are considered auspicious. The white rats are very rare and are considered extremely sacred. The white rats are believed to be the manifestations of Karni Mata and her sons and are revered by the devotees. Seeing a white rat in the temple is considered a sign of good fortune and luck.
• The rats in the temple are fed and nurtured by the priests and the devotees, who consider it a duty and an honour. The rats are offered milk, sweets, grains, and fruits by the visitors, who believe that sharing food with them will bring them prosperity and happiness. The rats are also given water in large metal bowls, which are kept clean and filled by the temple staff.
• The rats in the temple are protected and cared for by the temple authorities, who ensure their safety and well-being. The temple has a strict rule that no shoes are allowed inside the temple, to prevent the rats from being harmed or killed. The temple also has a hospital, where the sick and injured rats are treated and cured. The temple also has a crematorium, where the dead rats are cremated, and their ashes are scattered in the pond.
• The rats in the temple are worshipped and celebrated by the devotees, who visit the temple regularly and especially during festivals. The temple has a biannual fair, called the Karni Mata Fair, which is held in March-April and September-October. The fair attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings from Karni Mata and her rats. The fair also has cultural and religious programs, such as music, dance, and prayers.

Conclusion:

The Karni Mata Temple is a unique and amazing temple in India, that showcases the diversity and richness of the Indian culture and religion. It is a temple that honours and respects the animals and celebrates the bond between humans and nature. It is a temple that will surprise and astonish you, and make you appreciate the wonders of India.