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Shock overshelmw the visitors at the sight of innumerable
live rats roaming about freely every, here in the temple. But they are harmless
and never hurt any devotee however indifferently he moves insides the compound.
The temple as a haven for rats and it is said that they carry the souls of the
future Charans - the community of bards of this region and hence considered very
sacred.
It has a long legend. According to it, Karni Devi is
an
incarnation of goddess Durga. She was born in a family
of
Charan - a community of bard, regarded as mystics
due
to possessing certain uncommon traits and mystic powers
right
from birth. She performed numerous miracles Once it
appeared,
a couple approached her to revive their dead son. Moved
by
their pathetic wails, she met Yama, the God of Death in a
trance
and implored him to returning the boy's soul. As the soul
had
been reincarnated already, Yama could not oblige. She
then
ordained that the souls of the Charan clan would reside in
rats
until reincarnation in the Charan clan alone takes place. It
is
running its course So the rats scampering everywhere in
the
temple are bearing the souls of the dead Charans
awaiting
raincarnation. Fantastic it appears, but a standing proof
for
Charan clan, and it is conferring bliss and
emotional
satisfaction. Daily worship is performed with elaborate
rituals
periodical with pomp unique. Twice a year big melas are
held.
It
lies in the heart of Deshnok town enjoying transport facilities.
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