What is the story about?
If you're someone who gets squeamish at the sight of creepy crawlies, rodents or reptiles, the Karni Mata Temple, located in Bikaner, Rajasthan's Deshnok,
is likely to test your faith. On the other hand if you don't mind being one with nature in the most authentic manner, walking through the expanses of this temple should feel a lot like being in a Disney movie.
The legend of Karni Mata
Karni Mata is believed to be a reincarnation of the Maa Durga. The story goes that Karni Mata was a Hindu warrior sage from the Charan caste, back in the 14th century. An ascetic, she was held in high regards and is also believed to have laid the foundation stones of the Mehrangarh and Bikaner Forts, acting on the requests of the Maharaja of Jodhpur and the Maharaja of Bikaner. While there are several temples dedicated to Karni Mata, the one is Deshnok ranks the highest - simply for the 25,000 rats that very perceptinly move rather freely through its holy confines.Legend has it that Karni Mata's stepson Laxman, drowned while attempting to drink water from Kolayat Tehsil's Kapil Sarovar. In a bid to bring him back to life Karni Mata relentlessly prayed to God of Death, Yamaraj. While her plea was initially denied, moved by her resilience, Yamaraj eventually agreed to bring Laxman back to life - not as a human, but as a rat, fulfilling her wish.
Rats then, are the king in this temple. Hurting them or killing them - even unintentionally - demands a very specific penance. One is then required to replace the real rat with one made in gold.
