actually the fine for killing a rat is it's weight in silver. I've been to Karni Mata and the issue was spelled out for us. In any case that is a whole lot less than weight in gold
Not sure on your tallest wooden building claim, but the church down the street from me is the tallest wooden church in north america and it's 176 feet tall, I think that's over the equivalent of 9 stories (it's also more than 100 years old)
the church in church point, nova scotia, canada is the tallest wooden church in north america at 56 metres or 185 feet, it use to be 215 feet, but lightning damaged the building and the steeple was rebuilt 30 feet shorter. But I haven't located a taller building yet. The inner walls are lined in painted sail canvas as the steeple sways in the high local winds and lathe and plaster walls would crack.
from Wikipedia
Église Sainte-Marie is a Catholic church located in Church Point, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is the largest and tallest wooden building in North America. Built in the form of a cross, the church nave measures 58 metres (190 feet) in length, with transepts that are 41 metres (135 feet) across. The church spire rises 56 metres (185 feet) from floor to steeple, with its cross adding another 1.67 meters (5.6 feet). Originally 30 feet taller, the church steeple was struck by lightning in 1914, requiring part of the spire to be rebuilt.
from what I can tell the tallest wooden building in the world currently is the Toji Temple in Kyoto Japan at 57 metres.
from Wikipedia
Église Sainte-Marie is a Catholic church located in Church Point, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is the largest and tallest wooden building in North America. Built in the form of a cross, the church nave measures 58 metres (190 feet) in length, with transepts that are 41 metres (135 feet) across. The church spire rises 56 metres (185 feet) from floor to steeple, with its cross adding another 1.67 meters (5.6 feet). Originally 30 feet taller, the church steeple was struck by lightning in 1914, requiring part of the spire to be rebuilt.