Based on The Faith Book by Kadamba Kanana Swami
The Quiet Dweller in the Temple
In a grand old temple of Lord Nārāyaṇa, where incense danced through the air and bells sang praises at dawn, lived a small mouse. While priests offered lamps and kings bowed low, this tiny creature went unnoticed, slipping through cracks and shadows. But he had made the Lord’s temple his home.
The Fire That Called the Heart
Each evening, during ārati, the pūjārī would wave the lamp before the Lord. The mouse, drawn by the ghee’s warmth and flickering light, would scurry close—not for the food, but for the fire. Something about the flame called to him, stirred something ancient in his little heart.
A Leap of Devotion
One night, as the lamp glowed brighter than usual, the mouse became overwhelmed by some unknown urge. Perhaps it was past impressions, or perhaps the soul’s natural love awakened—but the mouse ran and leaped toward the flame. As his body caught fire, he landed on the altar and spun in circles—his own strange dance before the Lord.
A Divine Vision Appears
The temple priest gasped and rushed forward, but just then, a voice echoed from the Deity: “Stop! Do not interfere.” The lamp was set down, and all watched in silence. Though the mouse’s body perished in the flame, something unseen rose—glorious, effulgent, and serene.
The Lord had accepted the offering.
From Mouse to Heaven
In that very life, the mouse was elevated to a divine form. No rituals, no mantras, no understanding—just a spontaneous act of surrender. His leap into the lamp was not an accident; it was the soul’s cry to merge in loving service.
The Purity of Innocent Bhakti
This story teaches us that bhakti does not require language or logic. Even a mouse, drawn by love, can touch the Lord’s heart. When love is pure, the Lord accepts even the simplest offering—even a burning leap of surrender from the smallest soul.
A Verse to Remember
api cet sudurācāro
bhajate mām ananya-bhāk
sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ
samyag vyavasito hi saḥ“Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service with exclusive determination, he is to be considered saintly.”
— Bhagavad-gītā 9.30
