The Legend of the Temple of Rats - Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India - Urban Legends and Superstitions on Waymarking.com

Karni Mata temple is famous for the approximately 20,000 black rats that live, and are revered in, the temple. 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.

Karni Mata was a female Hindu sage born in the Charan caste. She is worshiped as the incarnation of the goddess Durga by her followers. She is an official deity of the royal family of Jodhpur and Bikaner.

Legend has it that Karni Mata’s stepson, Laxman was trying to drink water from a tank but he ended drowning in his attempt to quench his thirst. Karni Mata called upon Yama, the God of Death to bring Lakshman back to life but Yama refused. Karni Mata was persistent and Yama eventually gave in to her demands and allowed Lakshman and all male children of Karni Mata to be reincarnated as rats.

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.

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Additional Requirement?: Sighting of a white rat is considered very auspicious. Many devotees offer sweets and food to lure the white rats out of their hiding places. Website Source: [Web Link] What's the Real Story?: Not listed

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