Ananthapura Lake Temple Kasaragod Kerala

"A must visit temple. It's near Kumbala in Kasaragod dist. About six km from Kumbala railway station. You will get Autos from station for about Rs. 130-140. The temple closes after "Ucha pooja" at 12:30pm and after that there is Anna prasadam, very delicious veg lunch. There is guest house also. Those who want to stay can book by calling to the temple office."

Sreekumar R

"The Shree Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, often called the Ananthapura Lake Temple, is a captivating and peaceful sanctuary nestled in Kumble, Kasaragod. As the only lake temple in Kerala, it offers a truly distinctive pilgrimage experience. It is an absolute must-visit!

This temple holds immense spiritual importance as it is believed to be the Moolasthanam (original seat or source) of the much larger and famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The legend centers around the great sage, Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam, who was performing penance here. Lord Vishnu appeared before him as a mischievous child, whom the sage, annoyed by the pranks, chastised and pushed away. The child vanished into a cave, proclaiming that the sage would find him again at 'Ananthankadu' (the forest of the serpent Anantha). This cave is still visible near the lake, and the sage's subsequent journey led him to Thiruvananthapuram, where the massive Padmanabhaswamy Temple was eventually established.

The Deity and Spiritual Core
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his non-reclining form, Ananthapadmanabha, The main sanctum is built on a rock structure in the center of a large rectangular lake (known locally as the kottaram). The architecture follows the classic Kerala style, blending seamlessly with the serene natural environment.

The Lake and Its Divine Guardian
The most famous and unique feature of the temple is the natural lake and its resident 'divine' crocodile, Babiya. Legend holds that Babiya is the guardian of the temple and is a strict vegetarian.

While we visited the temple, the famous crocodile, sadly, remained elusive. We could not find the crocodile on this visit, but the large pond did host several fishes, which were cool to watch as they darted through the water.

The Ambience: A Cool Midday Retreat
We visited the temple around 12:00 PM in the afternoon, which might typically be the hottest time of the day. Surprisingly, the atmosphere was exceptionally calm and refreshing. The traditional architecture, the lush surroundings, and the cooling effect of the water all contributed to a wonderful, cool vibe. It was a serene and welcoming experience, making the midday journey completely worthwhile.

Accessibility and Tips
The temple is located approximately 14-16 km from Kasaragod town. It is easily reachable by road.
Timing: Check timings before visiting, as like many temples, it closes for Ucha Pooja (midday worship). Visiting around 12:00 PM might mean you arrive just before the closing."

Dr. Adithya Hande

"A tranquil temple slightly away from Kasargod town. As we step into the temple premises there is an instant calm that settles in you. A beautiful experience. Do not miss the sannidhis near the dining hall. I have heard that the annadaanam here is very good."

Deepthi Varier