Karni Mata Temple, located in Deshnoke town of Bikaner district of Rajasthan, is famous all over the world for its unique religious traditions. This temple is commonly known as rat temple Also known as. Here a large number of rats roam freely in the temple premises and devotees feed them with reverence. Due to religious beliefs, these rats are considered sacred and causing any kind of harm to them is considered prohibited.
Who was Karni Mata?
According to popular belief, Karni Mata was a great ascetic and saint considered to be a goddess who lived in Rajasthan between the 14th and 16th centuries. He is also linked to the royal families of Bikaner and Jodhpur. It is said that it was only with the blessings of Karni Mata that Rao Bika was successful in establishing the Bikaner state.
Karni Mata is also considered to be the incarnation of Maa Durga. This is the reason why many people of Rajasthan worship her as their family deity. Devotees from far and wide come to visit the temple situated in Deshnok.
Why are rats worshiped in temples?
The most special thing about Karni Mata Temple is the rats living here. these locally Kaaba It is said. According to religious legend, Karni Mata had prayed to Yamraj for the life of one of her dear ones. It is believed that Yamraj blessed him to be reborn as a rat. The tradition of considering the rats living in the temple as sacred is said to be linked to this story. Devotees feed milk, sweets, grains and other food items to these rats in the temple. It is believed that it is auspicious for rats to accept Prasad.
Seeing a white rat is considered auspicious
Sometimes a white rat is seen among the thousands of rats in the temple. According to religious belief, the sight of a white rat is considered very auspicious. Devotees consider it a sign of Karni Mata's special grace. However, this is a religious belief and there is no scientific evidence for it.
The architecture of the temple is also special
The present form of Karni Mata temple is also known for its beautiful marble carvings and silver doors. The artwork at the entrance and interiors of the temple reflects the traditional architectural style of Rajasthan. Special religious events are held in the temple during Navratri. During this time, a large number of devotees reach Deshnok and seek blessings from Karni Mata.
Tourists arrive from all over the country and the world
Karni Mata Temple is also a center of tourist attraction due to its unique tradition along with religious faith. Domestic and foreign tourists visiting Rajasthan definitely visit this temple situated in Deshnok along with Bikaner. The religious beliefs associated with rats and the historical heritage of the temple make it one of the most unique religious places in Rajasthan.
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