Vegetarian Crocodile in Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod, Kerala
Location:-This lake temple is built at the center of a lake in Ananthapura, Kasaragod District of Kerala.
Architecture: -This temple is constructed in the middle of a lake. This is a fresh water lake that gets its water supply from a nearby Spring. The main sanctum is connected to the land by a bridge. It is mainly a wooden structure that has various carvings of Hindu deities on its walls.
Legend:- It is said that the great sage Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam lived in this area. Once day a small boy came to the sage saying that he had no parents. Feeling pity on the boy, the sage allowed him to live at his place. The boy said to the sage, that the day he will be humiliated, he will leave the sage’s place. One day the sage grew tired of his pranks and humiliated the boy. The boy left his place and went into a cave. The sage followed him into the cave, going further towards the sea and disappeared into a tree. As soon as the boy went in, a statue of Shree Vishnu emerged reclining on his serpent (Sheshnaag).
The sage then realized that the boy was none other than Shree Vishnu also known as Padmanabha Swamy. It is also said that Shree Vishnu went through the cave to Thiruvananthapuram. The name of these places are Ananthapura (abode of Anantha)
Specialties:– The major attraction at this pilgrimage destination is Babiya – The Vegetarian Crocodile. This crocodile named Babiya is found in Ananthapura temple since ancient times. He is considered to be the guardian of this lake temple. Interestingly, when that crocodile dies, another one automatically takes guard and appears mysteriously. People also believe that the British had killed the crocodile. However one more crocodile appeared next day. It is also said that the crocodile has been living for the past 150 years as only one crocodile is seen at a time. This is a harmless, pure vegetarian crocodile and does not even kill the fish in the lake. The priests feed the crocodile after the Ucha Pooja (Noon Pooja) with rice and jaggery. The crocodile comes there at that time, has the food offered and again goes back to the cave.
How to Reach:-
By Road:- Public transport here is infrequent. However rental cars are available from Bekal. This place is 25 kms from Bekal.
By Rail:-Kumbala railway station is the nearest railhead
By Air:-Nearest airport is at Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode
Nearby Places to Visit:-
Chandragiri Fort
Kasaragod Fort
Kottancheri Hills
Location: Kasaragod, Kerala, India
