Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata is deeply venerated across Rajasthan, especially by the Charan community and the former royal houses of Bikaner and Jodhpur, who sought her blessings. The legend of the kabbas holds that the goddess arranged for her devotees' souls to be reborn as these temple rats until they return as humans. The temple thus embodies a unique belief in the continuity and sanctity of the soul. It is one of the most singular and famous shrines in India.

Dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered 14th–15th century mystic worshipped as an incarnation of Durga, this temple is unlike any other in the world. Around 25,000 black rats scurry freely through the marble halls, fed and cared for by pilgrims, who consider it a great blessing to have one run over their feet — and supremely auspicious to glimpse one of the rare white rats. The temple's magnificent silver gates and marble carvings, gifted by devotees and rulers, frame this remarkable scene. Prasad nibbled by the rats is itself regarded as sanctified.