Shree Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple

Ananthapuram Lake Temple, situated in the tranquil village of Ananthapuram in Kasargod district, is one of the most unique and spiritually significant temples in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ananthapadmanabha, the temple holds great religious importance as it is believed to be the original seat of the deity later enshrined at the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This belief adds a deep sense of reverence and historical continuity to the place. What truly sets Ananthapuram Temple apart is its beautiful setting in the middle of a natural freshwater lake. The calm waters surrounding the sanctum create a serene and meditative atmosphere, making the temple an ideal destination for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike. The temple architecture reflects traditional Kerala style, with simple yet elegant structures that blend harmoniously with the natural environment. The premises are well maintained, clean, and peaceful, enhancing the overall experience for devotees and visitors. A unique and fascinating aspect of the temple is the presence of the legendary temple crocodile, locally known as “Babiya.” According to belief, the crocodile is vegetarian and is considered a guardian of the temple, symbolizing divine protection. This rare feature attracts visitors from across the region and adds to the temple’s mystical charm. Beyond religious significance, Ananthapuram Temple offers a sense of calm and spiritual rejuvenation. The gentle breeze, the sound of water, and the disciplined rituals create an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility. It is not just a place of worship, but a living symbol of Kerala’s rich spiritual heritage. A visit to Ananthapuram Lake Temple leaves one with a deep sense of peace, devotion, and cultural appreciation, making it a must-visit destination in Kasargod.

We visited Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kumbala in 2021, and it was a truly peaceful and memorable experience. The temple’s unique location in the middle of a serene lake creates a calm, divine atmosphere that immediately relaxes the mind. Walking across the narrow bridge to the sanctum felt very special and spiritual. The surroundings were clean and well maintained, and the quiet ambience made the darshan very meaningful. The ancient history of the temple and the belief that it is the moolasthanam of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple add to its importance. A must-visit place for anyone seeking peace, spirituality, and a unique temple experience in Kerala. Babia was a crocodile that lived in the temple’s lake for many decades and became well-known among devotees and visitors. She was believed to have lived there for around 70–75 years and was thought to feed mainly on temple prasadam offered by devotees. A peaceful temple with a soothing ambience. The calm lake and spiritual vibrations make it a perfect place for quiet prayer.

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.

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.

This beautiful Temple is surrounded by a lake. It brings pleasant and pious feelings. There is a crocodile in the lake of the temple. Temple staffs are very kind and courteous. Hot sumptuous lunch is served at the temple.

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.

The temple is located roughly 6–14 km from Kasaragod town. The temple stands in the middle of the serene Ananthapura Lake. There is ample free parking space arranged on the ground. Its calm lake environment and spiritual ambiance attract both devotees and tourists alike. There are morning and evening pujas, and the temple often offers annadaanam (free meals)at specific times. There is a donation counter and pooja counter at the entrance. There are temples of different gods around this temple (Ganapati, Ayappan, and more). There are small snacks and a juice center outside the temple. The restroom is clean, it's near the parking place

This is a unique Hindu temple in Ananthapura, only temple built in the middle of a lake in Kerala. 👍 The main sanctum is surrounded by a rectangular lake, access to the sanctum is via a footbridge on the eastern side. The temple welcomes all visitors regardless of faith who are respectful and mindful of the sacredness of the place. Dress code - Men need to remove the shirts / T-shirts before entering sanctum area (you can remove and keep them with you). Women are expected to wear Saree, salwar Kamez, or long skirts. Avoid sleeves tops, short dresses or tight western wear. Puja tokens are issued near the entrance counter The lake seems to have a Vegetarian Crocodile 😀 we couldn’t see though. Footwear must be left outside the temple like any other temple. (No shoe racks) Photography inside sanctum not allowed. There’s enough parking space for two and four wheelers outside. Few shops in parking area to buy any puja items.