- By Kashish Rai
- Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Divine Paths: The Ananthapura Lake Temple located in Kasaragod, Kerala, is known as a special place of worship. This temple is situated in the middle of a pretty lake and is believed to be the original home of Lord Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. What makes this temple really stand out is Babiya, the crocodile guardian. People say Babiya was the world's only vegetarian crocodile, peacefully living alongside the lake fish and eating only what the temple offered.
In The Daily Jagran’s series Divine Paths, where we discuss sacred and ancient sites of worship, let us explore the history of this remarkable temple and the fascinating facts surrounding this extraordinary crocodile guardian.
The Mystery Of Babiya, The Vegetarian Crocodile
The most famous element of the Ananthapura Lake Temple was its guardian crocodile, Babiya. Surprisingly, this crocodile was completely vegetarian. It never ate the fish in the lake. When devotees offered it the prasad (rice and jaggery) after their prayers at the temple, it would eat it with great relish. Babiya died in October 2022 and was given a farewell with full state honours.
The Ananthapura Lake temple is famous for Babiya, the vegetarian crocodile that serves as the guardian of the temple. It is said that when one crocodile dies, the other one appears to safeguard the temple. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Temple Guardian And Its Tradition
It is believed that a crocodile always inhabits this lake. It is said that when one crocodile dies, the other one appears as the guardian of the temple to continue Babiya’s legacy. As per the local beliefs, the latest crocodile was spotted in 2023. This tradition has continued for centuries. Local people believe that these crocodiles are messengers of God himself and protect the temple.
In The Photo: The crocodile pond situated at Ananthapura Temple. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Connection to Padmanabhaswamy Temple
It is said that this temple is the original site or Moolasthanam of the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. According to legends, Lord Vishnu arrived in Thiruvananthapuram via this lake. The idols here are not made of metal or stone, but of a special Ayurvedic mixture called 'Kadusharkara Yogam,' which is prepared from more than 70 medicinal herbs.
The Ananthapura temple is believed to be the original abode of lord Ananthapadmanabha Swamy. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Cave And Secret Passage Near The Temple
Near the temple is an ancient cave that opens onto a small lake. According to local beliefs, there is a secret passage within this cave that leads directly to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The priests and devotees consider this cave very sacred and worship it daily.
Ananthapura Temple is the only temple in Kerala that is situated right in the middle of a large lake. The temple sits in the middle of the water, connected by a small bridge. The calm lake and green plants around it make for a really quiet, spiritual site. To know more about such divine sacred sites, stay tuned to The Daily Jagran!