The Abode Of Rats:Deshnoke

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India is the land of the temples,here you’ll find temples in every nook and corner of the country.Some temples are known for there not so usual ways of worship.One such temple is Karni Mata temple which is situated in Deshnoke in state of Rajasthan,India.

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It isn’t popularly called the Temple Of Rats for no reason.This 600 year old temple houses around 20,000 rats .According to the legennd,Karni Mata was a 15th century sage revered for her generosity ,good will and superpowers.Her stepson Laxman drowned in a pool and Karni Mata asked Yama,god of death to revive him.Yama reincarnated all of her male children as rats.
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These rats are considered sacred and holy and are considered as reincarnations of Karni Mata’s sons.There are a few white rats as well which are considered to be especially holy as they are believed to be the manifestatons of Karni Mata herself.These rodents are worshiped by people who come from far and wide.

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These widely revered rodents have also got protection from the locals and pilgrims and to keep them safe from predators nets and grills have been installed.The rats feed on food and milk brought by devotees to the temple.Some devotees even drink from bowl the rats bath and eat from food left by rats behind.The temple has brought happiness,luck and well being to lives of many and continues to be one of your not so usual place of worship.

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