Hindu Temples | GRRRL TRAVELER

Video: The Rat Temple (“Karni Mata”) in India

Filed under India, Off-beat, Weird... Reality! by Christine Ka'aloa on June 11, 2009 at 4:41 pm {3 comments}

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...]

Ghat Life in Varanasi

Filed under Religious, SOLO TRAVEL by Christine Ka'aloa on October 7, 2008 at 11:57 am {no comments}

Tues, Oct 7, 2008: Varanasi

Today is my Rest day

It is my last day in Varanasi. NO “have to’s – should see’s or do’s”…

I WILL NOT REGRET

… NO pushing myself to activity.

I will let the Spirit of Varanasi guide me to where she wants and I humbly obey. Hopefully, she’s a bit more seductive and a little less buffeting this time.

First, the Spirit tells me to laze in the clean sheets of my ahhhhh AC palace. I enjoy time off from the heat, the stink, the cows and the scams. I hang out to the cafe patio, have some Thali and spend time on the internet booking my hotel in Delhi. Finally, I “prepare” myself to go out & explore my satanic temptress– get lost in her winding streets, search her (more…)

Varanasi’s Holy & Humorous Underbelly Tour

Filed under Religious, SOLO TRAVEL by Christine Ka'aloa on October 5, 2008 at 11:44 am {no comments}

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008. Varanasi

As an ancient Holy City, Varanasi (formerly called Benares) is devoted to the hindu god, Lord Shiva.

Temples range from large to small, community to household and Shiva lingams (ovular rock eggs held by a shallow rock bowl/plate shown in the photos below) make common public altarpieces where one can pray. (more…)