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On 22nd May 2025, Thursday, during his visit to Rajasthan's Bikaner district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Deshnoke railway station and dedicated over 26,000 crore rupees in development projects to the nation. He also went to the well-known Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke. Karni Mata is a Hindu goddess of strength and triumph who lived in Western Rajasthan between the 14th and 16th centuries. She is frequently portrayed as a warrior sage. She represents strength and divine authority and is worshipped by the Charans as a tutelary deity. She is also thought to be an incarnation of Durga or Hinglaj.

The Karni Mata temple is well-known for its numerous sacred rats, known as 'Kaba,' which people believe are manifestations of the goddess. Visitors bring food and prasad for the rats, and many believe that worshipping them helps them achieve their wishes. Let us look at some interesting facts about this temple below.

Interesting Facts About Karni Mata Temple

- Despite the presence of thousands of rats at the Karni Mata Temple, there have been no reports of plague or sickness. Food that has been partially consumed by the rats is considered sacred, emphasising the temple's unique mystique and the reverence with which devotees and locals regard the rats.

- According to legend, the rats in the temple were soldiers who fled the battlefield and were about to be executed. However, Karni Mata showed them mercy by allowing them to live as rats in the temple. Because of her kindness, these rats were revered and considered sacred.

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Devotees offer food to the rats, also known as Kaba, at the Karni Mata Temple. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

- According to legend, Lakshman, Karni Mata's son, died after drinking from a well. She begged Yama, the God of Death to revive him. Lord Yama agreed on the condition that Karni Mata and her descendants reincarnate as rats, granting them a distinct sacred status.

- In the Karni Mata Temple, if a rat is accidentally killed, it must be replaced with a solid gold rat of comparable size. This tradition emphasises the rats' sacred status and the reverence with which they are treated, highlighting the temple's distinctive customs and rituals.

- Thousands of rats live in the Karni Mata temple, and it’s interesting that they stick around inside and don't leave through the main door. This adds to the unique vibe of the temple and its beloved rat residents.

 

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