India Paintings Part 6: The Rat Temple Experience on the Road to Osian

Mark Clark’s journey across India continues to take unexpected turns! After a beautiful stay at the Laxmi Niwas Hotel in Bikaner, where the morning wedding drums became an early wake-up call, he and his travel companions decided to set off towards Osian and their next adventure—a stay at a camel camp. But the trip took a unique twist when their driver, Sunil, suggested a temple visit along the way. Little did they know, this stop would be unlike anything they’d experienced before!

A Temple Visit with a Twist

Mark’s group arrived at the temple expecting to find beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. They slipped off their shoes, donning the bright blue plastic covers they were handed, feeling both excited and a bit out of place. But as they approached, something small and fast caught Mark’s eye—and then it clicked. They were at the famous Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, renowned for its thousands of scurrying residents! Inside, rats were everywhere—drinking from large milk bowls, skittering across the floor, and even running over Mark’s feet. While locals went about their business with calm reverence, Mark’s group became the center of attention. Squealing and laughing in equal measure, the travelers inadvertently turned into celebrities, posing for selfies with amused families and locals who found their reaction to the rats entertaining.

Reverence for Rats: A Cultural Experience Looking for India Paintings Inspo

The Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata and is home to over 30,000 rats, which are considered sacred. According to legend, these rats are believed to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata’s devotees, and their presence in the temple is honored. Locals believe these rats bring good fortune, and spotting a white rat in the temple is seen as especially lucky. For Mark, this unique experience served as a reminder of India’s deep-rooted spirituality and respect for all life. The Rat Temple was an unexpected and memorable stop, blending humor, surprise, and awe in a way that only India can offer. Though Mark was glad they visited in the morning (when the rats are less active), the experience left an impression, giving him another layer of inspiration to bring into his artwork commissions.

Heading to Osian: Onward to the Camel Camp

After their temple adventure, Mark and his group continued their journey to Osian, ready for their next experience at the camel camp. While the Rat Temple was a detour they hadn’t anticipated, it added yet another rich chapter to their travels, a blend of humour and reverence that embodies India’s unique approach to spirituality. Stay tuned for more updates as Mark’s trip unfolds, inspiring fresh India Paintings and artwork commissions that capture the incredible variety, charm, and surprises that India has to offer! For more information on Mark’s amazing Indian inspired pieces contact Mark Clark Fine Art.