Karni Mata Temple: In New Delhi, rats are not permitted in our residences, and with good reason. They establish themselves in the sewage and consume refuse materials. Conversely, the “regrettable” rodents have sought refuge in a temple situated in India. Rather than one or two, in the thousands. Additionally, they are venerated and paid homage to within the temple.
The Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata is venerated at the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan. As a consequence of the restrictions on access to Hinglaj that followed the partition, the Karni Mata Temple became a significant pilgrimage destination for Charani sagas. Various pilgrims travel from across India and further afield to visit this temple.
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The myth concerning Karni Mata
Karni Mata, the Kul Devi of the royal dynasty of Bikaner, was a fourteenth-century individual who executed numerous miracles. She chose to remain celibate and wed her spouse to her younger sister, embodying Shakti. They had four sons, and Karni Mata cherished them. One of the most renowned marvels attributed to her involves Laxman, the youngest of those four sons.
Laxman perished one day while attempting to draw water from the Kapil Sarovar in Kolayat Tehsil. Karni Mata, overcome with grief over the loss of her stepson, fervently prayed to Yama, the Hindu deity associated with death. Despite initially declining her entreaty to resurrect Laxman, the Lord of Death was moved by her anguish. Ultimately, Yama capitulated and resurrected as rodents not only Laxman but every male offspring of Karni Mata.
Karni Mata led an ascetic lifestyle and, at the behest of the kings of Bikaner and Jodhpur, laid the foundation stones for the Mehrangarh and Bikaner Forts.
Karni Mata Temple: Thousands of rodents call it home.
The distinguishing characteristic of the Karni Mata Temple is its sanctuary for over 25,000 rodents. They inhabit the fissures in the floors and walls of the temple, are unrestricted in their movement throughout the complex, and even traverse the paths of devotees and visitors. Indeed, it is a customary practice within the temple to ingest food items that have been nibbled by rodents, as such items are revered.
To appease the rodents, templegoers present offerings of milk and sweets. White rats are regarded as especially sacred among all rats due to the belief that they are manifestations of Karni Mata and her offspring. Even unintentionally harming or killing a rat is a sin, and those who commit this offense must perform penance by substituting a gold rodent for the deceased one.
Additionally, it is important to mention that the rodents have never transmitted any type of odor or disease. Rats that have developed an aversion to human contact and interaction are observed ascending up the shoulders of devotees or lounging in their laps. Rats are permitted to be fed with visitors’ hands, and they even share a tray with the Charan staff in the kitchen. Additionally, the employees shield them from predators such as cats.
Architecture of the temple
The temple was completed in the early 20th century, under the direction of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The temple exhibits architectural resemblances to the Mughal style. The entrance to the temple’s compound is granted access via silver doors adorning its marble structure.
A 75-cm-tall statue of Karni Mata clutching a trident (trishul) in one hand while bedecked with garlands and a crown serves as her idol. On either side are the idols of her sisters. Kundan Lal Verma, a Karni jeweler based in Hyderabad, made architectural improvements to the temple in 1999. His contributions included the installation of silver gates and marble sculptures.
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