Known as “little children” by worshippers and temple caretakers, the rats are fed milk, grains, coconut shells and specially prepared sweets by temple caretakers and worshippers. Because food that the rats have nibbled is said to bring good fortune, some religious pilgrims even partake of the leftovers.
“It’s quite the experience to walk through a temple with rats scuttling around as free as can be, and eating out of the same offerings that you're given back to consume,” wrote Prayash Giria.