The country that worships rats is India. One of the most famous places where rats are worshipped is the Karni Mata temple, located in the state of Rajasthan. This unique temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu goddess believed to be an incarnation of Durga.
The temple is home to thousands of rats, which are considered sacred and are treated with utmost reverence by the temple’s devotees. It is believed that these rats are the reincarnations of Karni Mata’s followers, and their presence in the temple is seen as a blessing.
Visiting the Karni Mata temple is a truly fascinating and surreal experience. As you enter the temple, you are immediately greeted by a sea of rats scurrying around the premises. They are everywhere – on the floors, along the walls, and even on the pillars. It can be quite overwhelming at first, especially if you have a fear or aversion to rodents.
The rats at the temple are not shooed away or harmed in any way. On the contrary, they are fed and taken care of by the temple priests and devotees. Huge saucers of milk are placed in various corners of the temple complex, and the rats eagerly gather around them, jostling for a chance to drink from the sacred offering.
It is believed that if a rat runs over your feet, it is considered extremely auspicious and brings good fortune. People often travel from far and wide to seek the blessings of the rats at the Karni Mata temple. They offer prayers, make donations, and spend time observing and interacting with the rats.
The devotion and reverence towards the rats at the Karni Mata temple are deeply ingrained in the local culture. The temple has become a significant pilgrimage site, attracting both locals and tourists alike. It is not uncommon to see people kneeling down and bowing before the rats, offering them food and seeking their blessings.
The worship of rats is not limited to the Karni Mata temple alone. In various parts of India, especially in rural areas, rats are considered sacred and are worshipped as manifestations of different deities. This belief stems from ancient folklore and mythology, where rats are associated with fertility, prosperity, and protection.
India is the country where rats are worshipped, particularly at the Karni Mata temple in Rajasthan. The temple’s unique tradition of rat worship has garnered significant attention and intrigue from people around the world. Whether one believes in the divinity of rats or not, visiting the Karni Mata temple provides a fascinating insight into the diverse religious practices and beliefs of India.