Karni Mata Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karni Mata Temple |
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Karni Mata Temple
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| Location | |
| Country: | India |
| State: | Rajasthan |
| District: | Bikaner |
| Location: | Deshnoke |
| Coordinates: | 27°47′26″N 73°20′27″E / 27.79056°N 73.34083°E |
| Architecture and culture | |
| Architectural styles: | Rajput |
| History | |
| Creator: | Maharaja Ganga Singh |
The Karni Mata Temple (Hindi: करणी माता मंदिर) is a very special Hindu temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India. It's about 30 kilometers away from the city of Bikaner. This temple is famous for something truly unique: it's home to thousands of rats! Because of this, many people call it the Temple of Rats.
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Welcome to the Karni Mata Temple
This amazing temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, who is believed to be a powerful goddess. People from all over India and even other parts of the world come to visit this unique place. It's not just a temple; it's a place where history and interesting traditions come alive.
The Story of Karni Mata
Karni Mata was a wise and respected woman who lived in the 14th century. She was known for her miracles and kindness. Many people believed she was a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple was built to honor her and her teachings. Over the centuries, it has grown into the beautiful structure you see today.
The Holy Rats: Kabbas
The Karni Mata Temple is most famous for its thousands of black rats. There are about 25,000 of them living freely inside the temple! These rats are not seen as pests; instead, they are considered sacred. They are called kabbas, which means "little children" in the local language.
People believe that these kabbas are the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata's followers. If a rat dies, it is often replaced with a silver or gold statue of a rat. Seeing a white rat among the black ones is considered especially lucky. Many visitors try to spot one during their visit.
Why are the Rats Sacred?
There are several stories about why the rats are so important. One popular legend says that Karni Mata's stepson drowned in a pond. Karni Mata asked Yama, the god of death, to bring him back to life. Yama agreed, but only by turning him and all of Karni Mata's male followers into rats. They would then be reborn as humans in Karni Mata's family. This legend explains why the rats are treated with such respect.
Visiting the Temple
When you visit the Karni Mata Temple, you'll see rats scurrying everywhere. They run across the floors, climb the walls, and even drink milk from large bowls. Visitors often bring offerings of grains and sweets for the rats. It's considered a blessing to eat food that has been touched by a rat.
The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings. Curious tourists from around the world also come to witness this extraordinary tradition. It's a truly unforgettable experience that shows a unique part of Indian culture and belief.
Images for kids
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Marble carvings at The Temple.
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White rat at the Karni Mata temple
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Devotees performing the aarti at Karni Mata Temple.
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