Fascinating Historical Facts About Rats and Their Spiritual Importance in Religion

Aparna Jha | Aug 14, 2025, 12:28 IST
( Image credit : Times Pets )
Rats are often misunderstood creatures, frequently associated with disease, dirt, or destruction. However, when we look deeper into history and spirituality, these small but intelligent animals have played surprisingly important roles in human culture, mythology, and religion. In some societies, they have been feared, in others, respected, and in a few, even worshipped. From ancient civilizations to sacred temples, rats have been part of intriguing stories that reveal how human beings perceive and relate to animals.This article explores historically interesting facts about rats, their symbolic value, and why they hold importance in certain religious traditions.

Rats in Ancient Civilizations

The history of rats and humans is closely linked, as these rodents have adapted to live alongside us for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that rats were present in human settlements as far back as 8,000 years ago. Ancient grain storage facilities in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China attracted rodents, making them both a nuisance and a necessity for survival studies in early societies.

  • Egypt: While cats are famously known as protectors of grain, ancient Egyptians were aware of rats and their habits. Rats were not directly revered but played a role in maintaining the balance of nature, often appearing in ancient hieroglyphic records as creatures of curiosity.

  • China: In Chinese culture, rats hold a significant place in the zodiac calendar. The rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing intelligence, adaptability, and quick thinking. Ancient Chinese folklore celebrates the rat’s cunning in winning a race organized by the Jade Emperor, securing its place as the first zodiac sign.

Rats in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

In medieval Europe, rats became infamous during the Black Death (1347–1351), when the bubonic plague killed millions of people. Although the disease was spread by fleas carried by rats, these rodents were unfairly demonized for centuries. Their image as pests became deeply rooted in Western culture.

However, even during these times, scholars and naturalists noted the rat’s resilience and adaptability. Renaissance-era studies of animals acknowledged that rats had remarkable survival skills, making them subjects of early biology and behavioral observation.

Rats in Indian Mythology and Religion

Lord Ganesha and the Sacr
Lord Ganesha and the Sacred Symbolism of the Rat
( Image credit : Pixabay )
One of the most fascinating examples of rats being revered can be found in Hindu mythology. In Hindu tradition, rats are associated with Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. Ganesha’s chosen vehicle, or vahana, is a rat named Mushika.

Why a rat as a divine vehicle?
The rat’s ability to navigate through small spaces symbolizes intelligence and the capacity to overcome even the tiniest obstacles. Spiritually, it teaches humility—that no creature is too small to serve the divine. In Hindu beliefs, the rat also represents abundance, as it thrives wherever there is food

Karni Mata Temple – The Rat Temple of India

Rats at Karni Mata Temple
Rats at Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan
( Image credit : Pixabay )
One of the most unique religious sites in the world is the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India. Dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata, the temple is home to over 25,000 freely roaming rats, known locally as kabbas. These rats are considered sacred and are believed to be reincarnated souls of the goddess’s devotees.

Visitors to the temple often feed the rats with grains, milk, and sweets as an offering. Seeing a white rat here is considered a blessing and a sign of good fortune. This centuries-old tradition has turned the temple into a place of deep spiritual significance and cultural curiosity.
Rats in Buddhism
Buddhist Teachings and th
Buddhist Teachings and the Respect for All Creatures
( Image credit : Pixabay )

In certain Buddhist traditions, animals are respected as sentient beings with the potential for enlightenment. While rats are not central figures in Buddhist mythology, they are sometimes included in temple paintings and zodiac representations in regions influenced by Chinese culture. Their symbolism often ties to cleverness, quick thinking, and adaptability.

Rats as Symbols of Intelligence and Resourcefulness

Across various cultures, rats have been admired for their ability to survive in challenging conditions. In folk tales and proverbs, they are often portrayed as clever tricksters or survivors who find a way out of impossible situations. In Japan, rats are associated with the god Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who represents wealth and prosperity. The rat, in this context, is seen as a bringer of fortune.

The Role of Rats in Scientific History

Rats have also played an enormous role in the progress of science and medicine. Since the 19th century, scientists have used rats in laboratory research due to their biological similarity to humans, short reproductive cycles, and adaptability to experiments. Without rats, many breakthroughs in genetics, psychology, and disease treatment would not have been possible.

In this sense, rats have indirectly contributed to saving countless human lives, making them unsung heroes in modern history.

Why Rats Are Spiritually Important

From a religious and spiritual perspective, rats teach valuable lessons:

  1. Adaptability – Just as rats can survive in almost any environment, spiritual growth often requires adjusting to life’s challenges.
  2. Persistence – Rats never give up easily, symbolizing determination and resilience.
  3. Resourcefulness – They can find sustenance in the most unlikely places, reminding believers to be grateful for life’s opportunities.
  4. Humility – In Hinduism, the rat serving as Lord Ganesha’s mount shows that even the smallest creature has a divine purpose.

Misunderstood but Significant

In the modern world, rats still face a bad reputation, mainly due to their role in spreading disease in history. However, understanding their cultural and religious significance offers a more balanced view. In some societies, they are protectors of grain, symbols of luck, or messengers of gods. In others, they are valuable research partners that help advance human knowledge.

By studying both the positive and negative roles rats have played throughout history, we can appreciate them as part of the larger human-animal relationship that has shaped civilization.

Rats may not be the most glamorous animals, but their historical and spiritual importance is undeniable. From sacred temples in India to the first position in the Chinese zodiac, from folklore to scientific laboratories, these creatures have touched nearly every aspect of human life. In religion, they remind us that every living being, no matter how small or misunderstood, can carry a divine message or serve a higher purpose.

By respecting the cultural traditions that honor rats and acknowledging their contributions to science and survival, we can replace fear with understanding. In doing so, we discover that the humble rat is more than a mere rodent, it is a symbol of intelligence, adaptability, and the sacred connection between all living beings.

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Frequently Asked Questions[FAQs]

  1. Why are rats considered sacred in some cultures?
    They symbolize intelligence, humility, and divine service in traditions like Hinduism.
  2. What is the Karni Mata Temple famous for?
    It houses over 25,000 sacred rats revered as reincarnated souls.
  3. How have rats been important in history apart from religion?
    They have been vital in scientific research and medical discoveries.
  4. Why did rats get a bad reputation in Europe?
    They were linked to the spread of the Black Death in the 14th century.
  5. Are rats seen as symbols of good luck?
    Yes, especially in Asian traditions where they represent abundance and prosperity.

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