GrrrlTraveler’s Postcard Diaries:
Karni Mata (”Rat Temple”), Deshnok, India
(2 min video)
Many animals in India are considered sacred. At Deshnok’s Karni Marta Rat Temple, I had to walk barefoot over sacred rat pee and sacred rat poop which at the time was the only option that allowed me to witness millions of rats take free reign over an entire temple (I know what face my Mom is making as she reads this…). The worshipers pay homage and take care of the rodents and luckily, the term “rat” defines more “cute mouse” than the giant NYC sewer types. Even some Indian tourists are taken aback with this temple and are here for the spectacle more than the spiritual tidings. Pointing fingers, jaws agape they are in shock. Mothers attempt to calm the crying children who are as frightened as any unsuspecting person would be surrounded by scurrying rodents. The locals and devotees take this more seriously however- the rats here are well cared for, given milk and treated as very benevolent and sacred.
[From the entry "Touristing Rajasthan"-- Click here to read actual blog...]
i am not sure if i could have make it walking barefoot among those rats and the “other” stuff…
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Christine Ka'aloa Reply:
March 4th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
@marta: you would be surprised what you’d do at the sake of being a tourist. The “other” stuff was pretty gross though. Didn’t want to put my shoes back on until I got to wash my feet. At that point, even the dirt felt cleaner.
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Amazing piece of content!
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