Also Known as Rat Temple, Karni Mata temple is considered as home to as many as 20,000 sacred rats, which live and are protected here. It is believed that the Karni Mata was a sage lady, who was born in 1387 in the Charan caste of Hindus. Karni Mata was also often referred to as the Nari Bai.
Some Interesting Facts About Karni Mata Temple
The 20,000 black rats that live in the Karni Mata Temple are known as Kabbas and it is believed by the locals that these rats were 20,000 strong army men who deserted a nearby battle. Although the sin of desertion was punishable by death, but Karni Mata spared their lives but made them rats who live here since then. Devotees here make offerings to rats with milk and sweets. Devotees consider it as a good omen. It is believed that Mata Karni lived for around 150 years and she remained young and beautiful throughout the life. Although there are 1000s of rats in this Rat Temple but never a single case of Plague is found in the temple or around. The temple opens for common public. The timings are 4:00 am in the morning and 10:00 am in night. Even when any of these rats die, it never produces any sort of foul smell. If a single Rat is killed in the Karni Mata Temple, it must be replaced with a rat of similar weight and size, made of solid Gold. Among thousands of black rats, a few white rats also live here, who are considered to be supremely holy and manifestations of Karni Mata and here four sons.also read: Amazing Facts: Thing you probably didn’t know about Bacteria