Ananthapura Lake Temple
Sub Place Details: Ananthapura Lake Temple is a unique architectural marvel, being the only lake temple in Kerala. Located on a remote rocky hill in Kumbla, it is surrounded by a 2-acre rectangular lake fed by natural springs. The temple is considered the Moolasthanam (original seat) of the famous S ree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Legend has it that the deity migrated to the south through a cave located in the corner of the lake. The most fascinating aspect of this temple is Babiya, the legendary vegetarian crocodile that has guarded the shrine for decades. It is believed that only one crocodile lives in the lake at a time; when one dies, another mysteriously appears. The temple offers a sense of profound tranquility, far removed from the hustle of urban life. The primary deity is Lord Ananthapadmanabha, seen seated on the serpent king Anantha. Unlike many temples where idols are made of stone or metal, the original idols here were made of a unique combination of 72 medicinal herbs called Kadu-Sharkara-Yogam. The temple reflects the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of the Tulu Brahmins and the agrarian culture of north Kerala. Visiting this temple is as much about the natural beauty of the lake as it is about the religious significance of the shrine.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Pilgrimage & NatureEntry Fees:
Entry Fees:
Entry Fee: No entry fee for general visitors.
Special Offerings: Mosale Naivedya (crocodile offering) can be sponsored for a nominal fee of around 200 INR. ...Entry Fees:
Entry Fee: No entry fee for general visitors.
Special Offerings: Mosale Naivedya (crocodile offering) can be sponsored for a nominal fee of around 200 INR.Timing:
Timings:
Regular Hours: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Feeding Time: The crocodile is usually fed around 12:00 PM, which is the best time for sightings. ...Timings:
Regular Hours: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Feeding Time: The crocodile is usually fed around 12:00 PM, which is the best time for sightings.Special Events:
Special Event:
Navaanna: A harvest festival where the first grain is offered to the Lord with great fanfare.
Annual Festival: Conducted in the month of Kumbham (February-March), featuring traditional music an...Special Event:
Navaanna: A harvest festival where the first grain is offered to the Lord with great fanfare.
Annual Festival: Conducted in the month of Kumbham (February-March), featuring traditional music and temple arts.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
The Footbridge: Capturing someone walking across the bridge towards the temple creates a powerful visual narrative.
Lake Reflection: Early morning shots provide a perfect mirror reflection of the...Photo Spots:
The Footbridge: Capturing someone walking across the bridge towards the temple creates a powerful visual narrative.
Lake Reflection: Early morning shots provide a perfect mirror reflection of the shrine in the water.
Crocodile Enclosure: If Babiya is visible, it is the most sought-after photograph for any visitor.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Things to Do:
Crocodile Sighting: Patiently wait near the lake to catch a glimpse of the guardian crocodile, usually seen during noon feedings.
Feeding Rituals: Witness the Mosale Naivedya, where rice and jaggery are offered to the crocodile.
Photography: Take stunning shots of the temple reflected in the still waters of the lake.
Spiritual Reflection: Spend time in the quiet corridors of the temple for personal prayer.
Exploring the Rocky Hill: Walk around the hilltop for panoramic views of the Kasaragod landscape.
Archana Offering: Perform a personal Pooja to the deity for prosperity and peace.
Bird Watching: The surrounding tre...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous:
Babiya the Crocodile: Famous worldwide for its guardian crocodile that supposedly eats only temple gruel and never harms humans or fish.
Original Abode: It is historically recognized as the place ...Why Famous:
Babiya the Crocodile: Famous worldwide for its guardian crocodile that supposedly eats only temple gruel and never harms humans or fish.
Original Abode: It is historically recognized as the place where the deity of the Thiruvananthapuram temple first appeared, making it a high-priority site for Vishnu devotees. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Lake-Centric Design: The temple is built in the center of the lake, accessible only by a narrow stone footbridge. This design symbolizes the transition from the worldly to the divine.
Uni...Sub Place Architecture:
Lake-Centric Design: The temple is built in the center of the lake, accessible only by a narrow stone footbridge. This design symbolizes the transition from the worldly to the divine.
Unique Material: The use of Kadu-Sharkara-Yogam for idols is a rare architectural feature in Kerala and Karnataka, involving a complex paste of herbs and minerals.
Dimensions: The lake measures roughly 60 meters by 40 meters, with the sanctum sanctorum occupying a square platform in the middle. -
How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: Mangaluru Airport is 56 KM away.
By Train: Kasaragod Railway Station is the nearest major railhead at 15 KM.
By Road: From Kasaragod, take the Kumbla-Ba... -
Near Tourist Places:
Arikady Fort (5 KM), Madhur Temple (12 KM), Kanipura Temple (3 KM), Bekal Fort (28 KM), Chandragiri Fort (20 KM), Kappil Beach (32 KM), Bela Church (15 KM), Maipady Palace (10 KM), Kudlu (14 KM), Manjeshwar (25 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Tourism Tips:
Health and Safety: Be careful near the water's edge and follow the instructions of the temple priests.
Packing: Bring an umbrella for both rain and sun, as the hilltop is exposed.
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