Bikaner and the Rat Temple

Rajasthan is the poorest of India's states. Most of the marble that is used on floors throughout the country is mined in the state, as well as much of its precious stones. It has an outpost feel, is a vibrant and dust swirling desert town. An enlightened leader gave sanctuary to 250,000 Moslem refugees in the bloodbath that followed India's partition in 1948. Earlier it had turned its fortunes around briefly by hiring out camels to the British in an earlier disastrous war in Afghanistan. Its fort is richly furnished and well worth a tour. Compact market with stalls of veg and fruit, spices ect.

  The fascinating "Temple of Rats" is an hour away by bus. Its resident population of holy rats is not for the squeamish. There is always the potential of having your ankle nipped, or have one drop on you from above. It is temple is part of  a reincarnation myth. Thousands flock there to worship, give gifts and pray. Because no one else was anxious I managed to walk around without getting into a panic. The devotion that was observed shocked me.

                                                                  Bikaner Fort

                                                         Ornate interior of the fort

                           
                                               Large wooden hall set on marble flagstones

                                     
                                                         Old merchant's houses (havelis)
                               

                                                                  Bikaner Market

                                                                         Jain temple

                                                                      Jain Temple

                                                              Altar in the Rat Temple

                                                         Devotees queuing to worship