malformalady:

The Karni
Mata Temple in Rajasthan, India, has become known for its devotion to rats – with temple visitors prohibited from harming the
swarms. In
fact, measures have been put in place to protect the rats by building
netting and grills to keep out predators such as raptors. Out of all of the thousands of rats in the temple, there are even a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. These
are believed to be manifestations of Karni Mata and her four sons. A
sight of these is said to be a special blessing and visitors attempt to
lure them out with sweet-tasting food.

Photo credit: Nicolas Economou