Sacred Rodents & Monkey King Chronicles

Exploring the divine connection between Karni Mata's rats and Hanuman's legend

Karni Mata Temple - The Rat Temple of India

Located in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple is home to over 20,000 sacred rats (kabbas) that are worshipped as incarnations of Karni Mata and her devotees.

Key features:

  • Built in the 15th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh
  • Marble facade with silver doors donated by a wealthy merchant
  • Rats freely roam the temple and are fed milk and sweets
  • Spotting a white rat is considered extremely auspicious

Legend says Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga, granted the rats' souls reincarnation as temple rodents to avoid Yama, the god of death.

Karni Mata Temple
Hanuman

Hanuman - The Divine Monkey God

Hanuman is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.

Key aspects:

  • Son of Vayu (wind god) and Anjana
  • Central character in the Ramayana
  • Symbol of strength, devotion and selfless service
  • Worshipped for protection, courage and overcoming obstacles

Hanuman is believed to be a chiranjivi (immortal being) who still roams the earth to protect dharma.

The Sacred Connection

While direct references connecting Hanuman with sacred rats are rare in the Vedas, several thematic parallels exist:

  • Rodent Assistance: In some regional versions of the Ramayana, Hanuman receives help from small creatures including rodents when building the bridge to Lanka
  • Symbolism: Both rats and monkeys are considered intelligent, adaptable creatures associated with prosperity in Hindu tradition
  • Devotion: Just as the rats at Karni Mata temple show devotion through their presence, Hanuman exemplifies perfect devotion to Rama
  • Overcoming Limitations: Both represent the idea that divine energy can manifest through humble creatures

An interesting folk tale from Rajasthan tells of Hanuman appearing as a rat to help devotees of Karni Mata during a famine, reinforcing the connection between these two sacred beings.

Sacred Stories

Hanuman in the Ramayana

The Sundara Kanda section of the Ramayana details Hanuman's heroic journey to Lanka to find Sita. His ability to change size (becoming small like a rodent when needed) helped him complete this mission.

"Then Hanuman, son of the Wind, reduced himself to the size of a cat and entered the city of Lanka unseen." - Ramayana 5.2.12

The Rat Temple Legend

When a grieving mother begged Karni Mata to revive her drowned son, the goddess negotiated with Yama. She secured the reincarnation of all her devotees as rats before human rebirth, creating an eternal cycle.

Hanuman and the Mountain

When Lakshmana was wounded, Hanuman carried the entire Dronagiri mountain with the Sanjeevani herb. Some interpretations suggest small creatures (possibly including rats) helped identify the correct herb.

Rodent Helpers

In some folk traditions, rats are considered helpers of Hanuman, nibbling through obstacles or carrying small offerings to him in hard-to-reach places.