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On Thursday (May 24), Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Karni Mata shrine in Deshnok, a small village around 30 kilometers from Bikaner, Rajasthan. This medieval place of worship is known as the "rat temple" because it is home to tens of thousands of kabas (rats), which are considered sacred and safeguarded.

Location

The Karni Mata Temple is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan near the town of Deshnoke, some 30 kilometers south of Bikaner. The temple is famous for its thousands of resident rats.

Who is Karni Mata?

The Hindu female saint Karni Mata was said to be a manifestation of the goddess Durga (Shakti). She led a modest and pious life and is revered by many, particularly in the Charan group. She allowed her husband to marry her younger sister to carry on his family line, but she stayed chaste.

Historical Significance

• Lakshman, the stepson of Karni Mata, once drowned in a pond. Karni Maat was urged to bring him back by her younger sister.  
• Karni Mata went to the god of death, Yamraj, and asked him to return his life.  She added that her family will never longer travel to Yamraj.  
• Rather, they would live with her in the temple after being resurrected as rats (known as Kaba).
• These rats are thought to be the Charan people's reincarnated souls, and after they die, they reincarnate as members of the same community.

Architectural Significance

• Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner commissioned the temple's current design around the beginning of the 20th century.  
• With its elaborate carvings and calm ambiance, the style is reminiscent of ancient Indian temple architecture. 
• Particularly for the Charan community, who look after it, the temple is a place of pilgrimage.

What gives it the name "Temple of Rats"?

There are over 20,000 rats, or Kaba, inside the shrine. There is no damage to these rats. In actuality, both the temple employees and guests adore, respect, and feed them. Feeding the rats is thought to bring blessings and good fortune.

Source: Indian Express