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Ananthapura Lake Temple

Bekal, Kerala, India
The Ananthapura Lake Temple is a 9th-century marvel and the only lake temple in Kerala. It is widely considered the Moolasthanam or original source of the world-famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Legend says that the great sage Vilwamangalam Swami performed penance here, and the Lord appeared as a mischievous boy before disappearing through a cave toward the south. The temple is surrounded by a 2-acre rectangular lake with perennial spring water. For decades, the temple was guarded by Babia, a vegetarian crocodile that lived in the lake and ate only temple offerings. After Babia passed away in October 2022, a new crocodile mysteriously appeared in November 2023, keeping the divine tradition alive. Visitors feel an overwhelming sense of peace here, amidst the sprawling hillocks and silent waters. The temple remains a symbol of communal harmony and spiritual mystery.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    2 to 3 Hours.
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    Place Type:
    Religious, Heritage, Lake Temple.
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    Entry Fees:
    General Entry: Entry is free for all devotees regardless of religion.

    Donations: Voluntary donations for temple maintenance are accepted. ...
    General Entry: Entry is free for all devotees regardless of religion.

    Donations: Voluntary donations for temple maintenance are accepted.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open daily from 05:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit: Visit at 12:00 PM for crocodile feeding. ...
    Regular Timings: Open daily from 05:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit: Visit at 12:00 PM for crocodile feeding.
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    Special Events:
    Tapotsavam: A major festival celebrated in April with grand rituals.

    Pooja Ceremonies: Special daily poojas are held at April, May, and December. ...
    Tapotsavam: A major festival celebrated in April with grand rituals.

    Pooja Ceremonies: Special daily poojas are held at April, May, and December.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Golden Hour Shots: The temple looks golden during the morning sun.

    Mirror Reflection: Capture the temple's reflection in the 2-acre lake.

    Cave Entrance: A unique shot of the mysterious cave opening. ...
    Golden Hour Shots: The temple looks golden during the morning sun.

    Mirror Reflection: Capture the temple's reflection in the 2-acre lake.

    Cave Entrance: A unique shot of the mysterious cave opening.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Temple Exploration: Walk across the footbridge to see the Sreekovil.

    Crocodile Sighting: Look for the resident crocodile during the afternoon feeding time.

    Mural Study: Observe the ancient puranic murals on the outer walls.

    Meditation: Spend time in the Namaskara Mandapam for spiritual peace.

    Caving: View the entrance of the mystical cave near the lake.

    Photography: Capture the reflection of the copper-roofed temple in the still lake waters.

    Nature Walk: Walk around the 2-acre lake complex and ruins. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    The Sacred Legend: It is famous for being the only temple in Kerala situated in a lake.

    Guardian Crocodile: The vegetarian crocodile Babia made this spot globally famous for its non-violent nature. ...
    The Sacred Legend: It is famous for being the only temple in Kerala situated in a lake.

    Guardian Crocodile: The vegetarian crocodile Babia made this spot globally famous for its non-violent nature.
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    Architecture:
    Structure Design: The temple follows traditional Kerala Vastu Shastra with a square sanctum sanctorum or Sreekovil measuring approximately 30 feet.

    Woodwork: The Namaskara Mandapam features exquisite wood carvings of Dashavatara on its ceili...
    Structure Design: The temple follows traditional Kerala Vastu Shastra with a square sanctum sanctorum or Sreekovil measuring approximately 30 feet.

    Woodwork: The Namaskara Mandapam features exquisite wood carvings of Dashavatara on its ceilings.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Mangaluru Airport is 54 KM away via NH66.

    By Train: Kumbla Railway Station is 5 KM; Kasaragod Station is 14 KM.

    By Road: Well connected by buses from Kasaragod.

    By Loca...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Bekal Fort (30 KM), Kappil Beach (28 KM), Madhur Temple (15 KM), Chandragiri Fort (16 KM), Kanhangad (35 KM), Nileshwaram (42 KM), Kumbla (5 KM), Hosdurg Fort (33 KM), Valiyaparamba (50 KM), Ranipuram (70 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship.

    Packing: Carry an umbrella and slip-on shoes for easy removal.

    Connectivity: Mobile signals are good; ATM is 5 KM away in Kumbla.

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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