Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata Temple, also known as the "Temple of Rats", is located in Deshnok in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Karni Mata is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She was born in 1387 AD. She belonged to the Charan caste and her real name was Riddubai. She followed the path of spirituality and welfare and helped people with supernatural powers. She was worshipped as a goddess by various royal families of Rajasthan. The temple is home to 20,000 to 25,000 rats, called "Kaaba" and believed to be the descendants of Karni Mata. There are more than 25,000 rats living in the temple. If a rat touches or climbs on a devotee's body, it is considered an auspicious sign. White rats are very rare and are considered a special symbol of Karni Mata. The devotee who sees a white rat is considered very lucky. Devotees feed milk, Prasad and sweets to these rats.