In Kata Mata, holy rats are called 'kabbas', and many people travel great distances to pay their respects.
Legend has it that Laxman, son of Karni Mata, drowned in a pond in Kapil Sarovar while he was attempting to drink from it. Karni Mata implored Yama, the god of death, to revive him. First refusing, Yama eventually relented, permitting Laxman and all of Karni Mata's male children to be reincarnated as rats.
Eating food that the rats have nibbled on is considered to be a high honor. If one of them is killed, it must be replaced with another one made of solid silver.