Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple Location in Rajasthan, India
Coordinates:	27°47′26″N 73°20′27″E / 27.79056°N 73.34083°E / 27.79056; 73.34083Coordinates: 27°47′26″N 73°20′27″E / 27.79056°N 73.34083°E / 27.79056; 73.34083
Name
Other names:	Temple of Rats Rat Temple
Proper name:	Karni Mata Temple
Devanagari:	करणी माता मंदिर
Tamil:	கர்னி மாதா கோவில்
Location
Country:	India
State:	Rajasthan
District:	Bikaner
Location:	Deshnoke
Architecture and culture
Architectural styles:	Mughal & Rajput
History
Date built:	15th - 20th century
Creator:	Maharaja Ganga Singh

Karni Mata Temple (Hindi: करणी माता मंदिर) is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnoke, 30km from Bikaner, in Rajasthan, India. It is also known as the Temple of Rats.

The most intriguing aspect of the temple is the 20,000-odd rats that call this temple home. These holy rats are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world.

The legend

Legend has it that Laxman, Karni Mata's stepson (or the son of one of her storytellers), drowned in a pond in Kapil Sarovar in Kolayat Tehsil while he was attempting to drink from it. Karni Mata implored Yama, the god of death, to revive him. First refusing, Yama eventually relented, permitting Laxman and all of Karni mata's male children to be reincarnated as rats.^[1]

The story behind rats at the temple is different according to some local folklores. Local folklores say that 20,000 strong army men deserted a nearby battle and came running to deshnoke. Upon learning the sin of desertion, punishable by death, Karni Mata spared the lives but made them rats and offered the temple as the future place of stay. The army of soldiers expressed their gratitude and promised to serve Karni Mata lifelong.

The temple is famous for the approximately 20,000 Black Rats that live, and are revered in, the temple.^[2] If one of the rats is killed, it must be replaced with one made of solid gold. Eating food that has been nibbled on by the rats is considered to be a "high honor".^[2]

Architecture

Marble carvings at The Temple.

It was completed in its current form in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.

In front of the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway are more silver doors with panels depicting the various legends of the Goddess. The image of the Goddess is enshrined in the inner sanctum.

The temple was further enhanced by Kundanlal Verma of Hyderabad-based Karni Jewelers in 1999. The silver gates to the temple and the marble carvings were also donated by him.^{[citation needed]}.

White rats

'White rat' at the Karni Mata temple

Out of all of the thousands of rats in the temple, there are a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. They are believed to be the manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four sons. Sighting them is a special blessing and visitors put in extensive efforts to bring them forth, offering prasad, a sweet holy food.

Worship and fair

Worship

The temple is thrown open to the public early in the morning at 4.00 a.m. Charan priests perform Mangla-Ki-Aarti and offer bhog (special food) as worship. A peculiar characteristic of the temple is the legion of rats roaming about in large numbers in the temple. They are considered auspicious and the devotees make offerings. Two kinds of offerings, the 'dwar-bhent' is attributed to the priests and the workers. The 'kalash-bhent' is utilised for the temple maintenance and development.

Karni Mata Fair

Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok:

• The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi.
• The second fair is held in September-October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.

During Navratri thousands of people travel to the temple by foot.

Appearances in media

The temple appeared on the first season of the U.S. reality series "The Amazing Race". It featured a challenge where one person from each team had to search the temple for a clue.

Photo gallery

See also

• Karni Mata

References

External links