Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Rat Temple

Renowned for her generosity and good nature, the goddess Karni Mata lived to age 151 while maintaining her youth and beauty. She (and/or her sons depending on which story you hear) are reincarnated into the rats that inhabit the Karni Mata temple today. The rats are considered lo be so lucky that some even rest among them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2016
Date Uploaded: 10.2017
Photo Location: Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India
Camera: E-PM1
Copyright: © Laura Foley