PM Modi at Karni Mata Temple: Why Rat-Prasad at Karni Mata Temple is Considered Sacred

PM Modi at Karni Mata Temple: Why Rat-Prasad at Karni Mata Temple is Considered Sacred

New Delhi/Bikaner: During his visit to Rajasthan’s Bikaner on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly redeveloped Deshnoke railway station and visited the famous Karni Mata Temple, a revered site known for its unique tradition of worshipping rats. The PM also laid the foundation for various development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore and virtually inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat Stations across the country.

Karni Mata Temple

The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, near Bikaner, stands out for its centuries-old tradition where rats, called ‘Kaba’, are considered sacred. Thousands of rats reside in the temple and are believed to be incarnations of Karni Mata's family members. The leftover food or prasad eaten by these rats is offered to devotees and is considered highly auspicious.

Why Are Rats Worshipped at Karni Mata Temple?

According to local legend, when one of Karni Mata’s brothers died, she pleaded with Lord Shiva to restore his life. Lord Shiva agreed but allowed the resurrection only in the form of a rat. Since then, it is believed that Karni Mata’s lineage continues as rats, making them holy beings in the eyes of devotees. Worshipping them is believed to bring blessings, fulfillment of wishes, and protection.

Significance of Rat-Prasad

The temple is perhaps the only one where rat-prasad—food nibbled by rats—is considered a divine blessing. Devotees consume this sacred offering with reverence, believing that it brings good luck, spiritual merit, and divine grace. Built in the 15th century, the Karni Mata Temple is not only spiritually significant but also a tourist attraction due to its intricate Rajput architecture and marble carvings. The temple survived deadly diseases like the plague, which, as legends suggest, were eradicated through the divine powers of Karni Mata.

The temple’s management is looked after by the Charans, descendants of Karni Mata. They continue to uphold traditions and rituals passed down for generations. Devotees from across India and abroad visit the shrine with the belief that no one comes unless called by the goddess.