बीकानेर के पास देशनोक में करणी माता के मंदिर में लगभग 25,000 चूहे रहते हैं, जिन्हें काबा कहते हैं। मान्यता है कि ये करणी माता के वंशज हैं। सफ़ेद चूहे का दिखना बहुत शुभ माना जाता है।
About 30 km from Bikaner, in the small town of Deshnoke, is one of the most unusual temples in the world. Inside the beautiful marble temple of Karni Mata, thousands of rats run freely across the floor, drink milk from large bowls and climb over the silver doors. Devotees do not chase them away — they worship them.
Who was Karni Mata?
Karni Mata was a 14th–15th century woman sage of the Charan community, worshipped as a form of Durga. She is the kuldevi of the royal family of Bikaner, and the city's founders received her blessing. The present temple was built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.
The legend of Laxman
The story goes that Karni Mata's stepson, Laxman, drowned in a pond while trying to drink water. Karni Mata begged Yama, the god of death, to bring him back. Yama refused at first, but finally agreed that Laxman and all of Karni Mata's male descendants would be reborn as rats in her temple — and later as humans in her family. That is why the rats here are called kabbas — little children.
Prasad tasted by the kabbas
Food and milk offered to Karni Mata are first shared with the rats. Food that the kabbas have nibbled is considered especially holy prasad. If someone accidentally steps on and kills a rat, tradition says they must replace it with a rat made of silver or gold.
Despite thousands of rats, no disease has ever spread from the temple.
Devotees often say this, but health experts advise caution; visitors should avoid eating food touched by the rats if they are worried about hygiene. There are believed to be around 20,000–25,000 rats in the temple.
The lucky white rat
Among the thousands of brown rats, a few are white. Devotees believe the white rats are forms of Karni Mata and her sons, and spotting one brings great luck. Visitors are often seen patiently waiting with sweets to catch a glimpse.
- Location
- Deshnoke, about 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan
- Tip
- Shoes are removed — wear socks; walk slowly, never step quickly
- Festival
- Big fairs during both Navratris
- Combine with
- Bikaner's Junagarh Fort and our Rajasthan tour
Questions
Why are rats worshipped in Karni Mata temple?
Devotees believe the rats (kabbas) are reincarnated descendants of Karni Mata.
Where is Karni Mata temple?
In Deshnoke, about 30 km from Bikaner in Rajasthan.
Why is seeing a white rat lucky?
White rats are believed to be forms of Karni Mata and her sons.
