Marek Rats
A long time ago, a rat plague appeared in the Indian town of Bikaner. Since in India they appear even at airports, it is not surprising that they also multiply in cities and towns. The inhabitants had no idea how to deal with it, so they asked for support from Hanuman, a god who is a combination of man and ape. Hanuman knows rats very well, because one of them serves as a means of transport. God thought (not all the time, of course) for two weeks and then handed over the council to the people of the city. Build a temple dedicated to rats on the outskirts of the city. Hope appeared in the city. Construction began immediately, which resulted in a beautiful marble temple. It stands to this day.
Since then, Indians from all over the country have been coming to the city of Bikaner to offer gifts to the sacred rats. They bring milk, corn and other delicacies. If unprepared, they can stock up on rat food before entering the temple. And the rats? All the surrounding rodents have moved to the area of this holy city, because only there do they feel safe and do not have to waste energy looking for food.
Temple
If you want to visit the Bikaner temple, drive to Jodhpur and rent a car with a driver there. It doesn’t cost much and the convenience is priceless (the journey is quite long). Remember that you also pay for the hotel for the driver, because the return will take place no earlier than the next day. It is best to go to the temple as early as possible in the morning. The state of Rajastan is an extremely hot place, and the main courtyard is exposed to the harsh sun. In the morning, the temperature is bearable.
As in any holy place in India, you have to take off your shoes before entering. We look at our feet in disgust. Rats run everywhere, the ground is covered with the remains of rat food mixed with excrement. When I stop in place, several rodents run up to my feet to check if my foot is something that could be eaten. Around us I see a crowd of people standing in line at the altar where they offer their gifts. After fulfilling their duty of feeding the holy rats, they say a short prayer for good luck and care for their loved ones. When they are finished, they sit with their families on the edge of the courtyard, joyful and full of faith in the future.
Town
Just as in Pokhara the role of the horse is the basic means of transport, here camels are used. The impact on the flow of traffic is extremely adverse. Camels are lazy animals, they like to spend their time conducting complex thought processes on fundamental topics. When forced to work, they become bitter and spiteful. On the streets we see a lot of two-wheelers pulled by these big, good-natured animals. The locals advise us not to approach them, because they can be aggressive and their big hooves are a serious danger.
There are a lot of cows walking on the streets of the city, here they are sacred and you must not interfere with their lifestyle. Street musicians in folk costumes collect money by treating passers-by to music played on bagpipes, an instrument brought here by the British colonizer. Admittedly, the music is full of clear sounds and you can’t hear falsehood.
We will not stay long in Bikanera. Tomorrow we will set off on our way back to Jodhpur, where we are going to spend a few days.
And now I invite you to see the gallery.
