This temple in Rajasthan is home to thousands of rats!

Ever heard of a rat temple? If not, you need to visit the colourful town of Bikaner in Rajasthan as here you’ll find Karni Mata Temple which is home to thousands of rats! Set in the heart of the golden Thar Desert, this unique place of worship is also known as the Temple of Rats.

This extraordinary temple is located in Deshnoke, a town just 30 km from Bikaner. The temple here is home to rats that roam freely within its sacred walls and attracts curious travellers and pilgrims from all over. These rats are also known as kābā.

The unique legend of Karni Mata

As per local belief, the temple was built to honour Karni Mata, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga. Legend has it that when Karni Mata's stepson, Laxman, drowned while attempting to drink from a Kapil Sarovar nearby. Karni Mata then went to Yama, the god of death, to bring her stepson back to life. When Yama refused, Karni Mata reincarnated Laxman and his 4000 descendants as rats. These rats are believed to be the earthly manifestations of her family.

Architecture

The Karni Mata Mandir is a beautiful example of traditional Rajasthani style. The temple's facade is adorned with intricate marble carvings and features stunning silver doors that depict various deities and mythological figures. The inner sanctum houses the idol of Karni Mata, which is decked in richly embroidered silk garments and adorned with jewellery.

The Temple of Rats

The main attraction of the Karni Mata Mandir, without a doubt, is its resident rats. These rats, known as "kabbas" or "little children". These are considered sacred and are believed to be the reincarnated descendants of Karni Mata's family.

The temple complex is home to thousands of rats that freely scurry around the temple premises. Pilgrims come from far and wide to feed and worship these rodents. The rats are well-fed and cared for by temple priests, who believe that spotting a white rat among the multitude is a particularly auspicious sign.

While it may look unusual to outsiders, the temple holds immense significance for its devotees.