Ananthapura Lake Temple Guide
Ananthapura Lake Temple: Home of the Vegetarian Crocodile Guide
Ananthapura Lake Temple is a unique and ancient temple located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, India. What sets this temple apart is that it is situated in the middle of a lake and is believed to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swamy, the deity of the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is also famous for its resident vegetarian crocodile, affectionately named "Babia." The history of Ananthapura Lake Temple is shrouded in legend and folklore. It is believed to be centuries old, with connections to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. According to legend, Lord Vishnu appeared to a sage in this very spot, leading to the construction of the temple. The presence of a single, vegetarian crocodile in the lake is also a long-standing tradition, with each crocodile mysteriously disappearing upon its death, only to be replaced by another. Visitors to Ananthapura Lake Temple can admire the beautiful architecture of the temple, take a boat ride on the lake, and witness the daily rituals performed by the priests. The main attraction is, of course, Babia, the vegetarian crocodile, who is fed rice and jaggery twice a day. The temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and spiritual reflection. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly linked to the temple, you can find traditional Kerala vegetarian meals in nearby restaurants.
Transportation
The nearest railway station is Kasaragod, which is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India. From Kasaragod, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Ananthapura. Buses are frequently available from Kasaragod bus stand.