In the Karni Mata temple, rodents are revered as human reincarnations, but they can be threatened
In the small village of Deshnok, India, there is the temple of Karni Matawhich is generally known by a much less flattering name: the Mouse Temple. The descriptive name refers to the fact that, there, these animals are revered as human reincarnations.
Deshnok is located in the Rajasthan region, more than 500 kilometers from the capital New Delhi and about 35 kilometers from the city of Bikanerthe largest in the neighborhood.
To visit the temple it is mandatory to be barefoot, which can scare rodents. However, the custom follows the traditions of most Indian temples. The recommendation, for those who feel uncomfortable in this situation, is to wear a pair of socks when moving around the building, which is generally tolerated.
Entry is free, but there may be a small charge for camera use inside the temple.
View a report from a VT contributor
“Mice populated my dreams, or nightmares, the night before we left Bikaner, five hours’ drive northeast of Jaisalmer. Let me explain better: that’s where the temple is located Karni Mata, the only attraction that my traveling companion would not give up visiting. The legend surrounding the place, very quickly: Karni Mata asked Yama, god of death, to bring back her son Lakhan from the world of darkness. Yama, somewhat casually, would then say that that request was beyond his jurisdiction. In any case, Karni Mata did not return empty-handed from the conference. Many of her relatives gained eternity from Yama. They would no longer die, from that moment on they would always be reincarnated as rats. For there, in that palace, live all the descendants of Karni Mata, incarnated in hundreds of fat black rats, all apparently treated with affection and attention by the emotional Indians. As if this were not enough, decorum dictates that you enter the temple barefoot. Barefoot! Most tourists actually wear socks. I only managed to get as far as the yard, at a civilized distance from the rodents. My indomitable companion spent no more than five minutes in the temple. I don’t know what happened to the pair of socks.” Read the full story here.
Sacred rats of Karni Mata
The thousands of rats of Karni Mata, known as kaba, they are not just reincarnations of people. The death of a mouse, according to the faithful, would also represent the birth of a new person in the village.
Throughout the temple, most rats are gray. White rats, which are rarer, are even believed to bring good luck to anyone who has the opportunity to see them. But not only that: the white cloak would indicate the reincarnation of the goddess or an heir.
The offerings shortened the rodents’ lives
The custom of offering food to mice is common in the temple. However, the habit of including foods containing milk and sweets is affecting the health of rodents. Under normal conditions these products are not normally part of the animals’ diet and this has visible consequences on their health: they lose hair, gain weight and become diabetic.
Rats that eat sweets can only live two months. This is also affecting the rodent population, which is no longer as large as it once was inside the temple.
The faithful even fear the complete disappearance of the animals. On the other hand, Indian tourism authorities claim (without concrete evidence) that, despite the fears expressed by foreigners, there has never been a recorded case of diseases transmitted by rats to visitors.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
