Which Town in India is Known for the Temple of Rats?

India is known for its rich traditions, diverse culture, and thousands of temples, each with its own unique story. Some temples are famous for their architecture, while others stand out because of unusual customs and beliefs. Among them, there is one very special temple that attracts attention worldwide because it is home to thousands of creatures that are treated as sacred and worshipped by devotees.

An Overview of India

India, officially called the Republic of India, is a large country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest in area and became the most populated country in 2023. Since 1947, it has been the world’s largest democracy. India is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, and shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, while being close to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Number of Districts in India

India currently has around 787 districts, though the number keeps changing as new districts are created for better administration. The total count is gradually approaching 800, reflecting India’s vast size and diverse governance needs.

Town Famous for the Temple of Rats

The town of Deshnoke in Rajasthan is famous for the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Temple of Rats. This temple is home to more than 25,000 rats, called kabbas, which are considered sacred and worshipped as the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata’s devotees. People from across India and the world visit this temple to witness its unique traditions and spiritual significance.

Why Deshnoke is Known for the Temple of Rats?

The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered saint believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Inside the temple live over 25,000 rats, locally called kabbas. According to legend, when Karni Mata’s stepson died, she asked Yama, the god of death, to bring him back. Instead, it was agreed that he—and all her family members—would be reborn as rats. From that time, these rats are seen as the souls of her devotees.

What makes the Temple Unique?

• Sacred Rats: Unlike anywhere else, here the rats are fed, protected, and worshipped. Devotees offer milk, grains, and sweets to them.
• Divine Presence: Rats move freely inside the temple, even walking over people’s feet, and it is considered a blessing.
• White Rats: Spotting a rare white rat among the black ones is believed to bring good fortune.
• Global Attraction: Pilgrims and tourists from across the world visit Deshnoke to witness this extraordinary practice, where the line between daily life and the divine truly disappears.