"Temple Of Rats" In Rajasthan

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There is a unique temple in Rajasthan that is home to over 25,000 rats. At the temple, these tiny creatures are revered as sacred entities

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This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga. It is located in the Deshnok village in Rajasthan's Bikaner

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According to legend, these rats are Karni Mata's descendants, specifically her sons and clansmen reincarnated after death

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The rats are known as Kabbas Marwari, which translates to little children

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Rats at this temple roam around freely, are pampered, protected, revered and worshipped by locals

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Various food items are kept on plates for the rats to eat like nuts, grains, milk, fruits, and sweets

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Visitors also bring food inside to pay their respects as providing food to the rats is perceived as making an offering to Goddess Durga

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While it's usually considered unsanitary to share food and drinks with rats, at this temple, it's an honour

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It is considered highly auspicious to eat food that the rats have blessed with their touch

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Harming or disturbing the rats is forbidden and considered offensive. Some who accidentally injure or kill a rat compensate by replacing it with a gold or silver rat statue

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