Milk bowls empty quickly. Fruit trays barely last for a few minutes. In this temple you live with legs, mustaches and queues that move everywhere. There is marble under the feet, flowers on the altars and an architecture that, anywhere else, would be a reason for admiration for its detail. However, the Karni Mata templein Inekekea city on the edge of the desert of Rajastáneverything revolves around more than 25,000 rats.
The floor is never completely clear. Some run between the feet, others rest on the edge of the altars, many are grouped together with the bowls full of milk that the devotees place every day. They are also offered fruit, rice and sweets.
The cleaning They keep the temple in charge of the temple, who travel the enclosure sweeping remains, knowing that, although Barran, the rats will occupy each corner again.
There are no fences or limitations. The space is designed to facilitate its movement. There are holes in the walls that communicate the rooms, steps through which they climb effortlessly and visitors who, far from frightening them, bend down to share food or photograph them. Although It is not well seen that tourists record Within the main sanctuary, many try.
Some faithful even live in the temple, completely delivered to their cult, and say they don’t need anymore. The newly married couples also go, hoping that their union is blessed by Karni Mata.
The legend that made thousands of rodents into sacred beings
The story that supports this link between animals and faith dates back to a legend of the fourteenth century. Karni Mataconsidered a reincarnation of the goddess Durgahe lived 151 years and disappeared near Deshnoke without a trace. According to tradition, after the death of one of his children, he begged Yama, the god of death, to return his life.
Upon receiving a refusal, he declared that all his descendants would be reborn as rodents. Since then, temple rats are seen as Kabbasacred creatures containing the souls of their lineage and followers.
The building was built by Maharajá Gango Singh More than 600 years ago and extended until the beginning of the 20th century. The silver doors, the white marble facade and the decorated columns show a careful architecture. Inside, the walls in pink tones contrast with the animals that move without interruption.
In the center, a 75 centimeter figure represents Karni Mata. It is decorated with flowers and a small crown. Around them, the faithful make offerings. If a rat rises to someone’s bare feet, it is considered a blessing.
Diseases related to their presence in more than six centuries have not been documented. Some temple workers assure that their health has been good thanks to their devotion. One of them affirmed Vice that works there Diestion daily hours For only 5,000 rupees per month – almost 52 euros. -. The reason, he says, is that serving Karni Mata gives him everything he needs: “Everyone has a mission in life. This is mine.”
Among the thousands of black rats, there are some White. It is believed that they represent the purest form of the goddess. Seeing one is considered a lucky sign. Many travel only for that moment. In that temple, where others see rats, faith transforms the look. And that changes everything.
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