The Temples of India

The Ancient Shrine of the Sacred Rats

The Karni Mata Temple is situated on the holy land of Deshnok in Rajasthan, India. The marvel of this temple is that it is the home to thousands of harmless rats commonly known as Kabas - the children of the goddess that keep scampering and crawling around. Hence it is also known as the Ancient Shrine of the Sacred Rats.

There is a very interesting tale behind the history of this temple. As per the folklore the human beings who die are reincarnated as rats and the rats that die are reincarnated as human beings. Centuries ago Mata Karni devi had blessed her tribe with a divine boon that upon death they would reincarnate as rats before being reborn as humans. Hence these rats are considered to be sacred and are believed to be the reincarnation of the descendants of the deity.

It is believed that some 600 yrs ago goddess Karniji and her four sons worshiped in this marble sanctuary which was free of rats at that time. Her sons would take turns to taking care of the shrine for 30 days at a time. Even today her male descanted continue this tradition. They serve as priest and must spend a month of tending to their reincarnated relatives called Kabas. Devotees say that if you touch any one of these sacred Kabas you are blessed for life and it is considered good luck if you see a white rat.

It is these divine white rats that are believed to be the reincarnation of the goddess’s four sons. Visitors take utmost care of not hurting these rats by stepping over them but if anyone kills them by accidentally stepping over them then they have to replace the same with its weight in silver.

It is an astonishing fact that till date this vermin infected shrine is free from any kind of rat related disease. The rats found here are much cleaner than the ones found at home. In fact even the offerings of food is first offered to the Kabas and then distributed as prasad to the devotees. These Kabas lead a very secure life within the shrine and that’s why it seems that they never want to leave. Hence the rats within the temple don’t go out and the rats outside the temple don’t come in.

Its interesting to know that after a day at the temple even the most petrified visitors walk away with a new respect for the vermins.

Rat Temple in India

The following are some comments from youtube :

* Rats are intelligent and beautiful animals. Great video!
P.S. --- Cultural insensitivity is a product of ignorance.

* I know what you mean. Some people just can't upload any new software into their brain once it's programmed! Stay strong and much love to your rat.

* I love rats, they're cute and they're very intelligent. If you rear a rat or mouse, they recognise their owner and are very loyal to you. They socialise very well and they learn new things very quickly. I would love to visit this temple and put some fruits out for these guys and look around the temple.

* This place is awesome! I'm a huge "rat-fan" myself (got two pet rats) so places like this can only keep a smile on my face. :-)

* Rats are so sweet. They make awesome pets. I have one, and he is the sweetest animal I have ever met. Looks like the rats in the video have a pretty comfortable life.

* If people could learn to respect each other as much as they respect these rats, the world might be a better place.

* Hindus have a love and compassion for animals and other helpless creatures. So, we arrogant Christians can learn a thing or two from them

* They are very great about rats. Hello everybody "You need respect to India people".
I have pet rats that I am love. I wish I can going visit there.

* These special little rats are the old English variety, the kind we have in California. I have some as pets. They are incredibly smart and love to have human friends when possible. I am glad they have a place where they are worshipped.

* If you look at their sweet little faces, they are incredibly expressive little beings. If you know them well as individuals, they are very much like people, so it is not so far-fetched that humans/rats could incarnate into each other. As for the "biting," this type of rat nips to get attention when they want to play. They also will trim your toenails if your feet are not very fresh smelling, as they are avid groomers and cannot stand to leave you in THEIR living space with stinky feet.

* I also have a pet rat. Most people are too close-minded to consider them, but I've discovered that rats are extremely affectionate animals, intelligent and trainable, clean, and just overall good pets. People have critisized me for loving rats for so long that it's come to the point where I just don't care anymore. They don't even give animal chance.

* Rats are the best small pets to have, I've had a total of 15 now (Not all at once though) And I've never been bitten or caught any illnesses, unlike that evil pet hamster...!

* i have a rat. he's super intelligent and very unique with his own personality ( i gotta cook for him...but its worth it,he licks me when hes done eating ).he's very playful and affectionate. rats are almost the same as dogs,just smaller.

* if it weren't for rats, we wouldn't have hardly any medicine or treatments for things. i have pet rats too, and they've got to be the best small pets u cud ever wish for. i've taught them how to jump into my hands from the ground :]

* I looove pet rats.They are such amazing creatures.Smart,kind,funny and cuddely...I worship them too...People who doesn´t like them, usually haven´t met them up close.

* Rats Rock!

* I love rats they are man's other best friend.