Ananthapura Lake Temple – Unique Lake Temple in Kerala
Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, also known as Ananthapura Lake Temple, is a renowned Hindu temple located in Kerala's Kasaragod district. It is situated in the village of Ananthapura, approximately 6 km from Kumbla town in Manjeshwaram Taluk of Kasaragod District. This remarkable temple is unique as it stands amidst a lake. Also, it holds a prestigious distinction as the only lake temple in the entire state and can be accessed only by a bridge.
Ananthapura Lake Temple - Kerala
Speciality
Ananthapura Lake Temple is traditionally believed to be the original abode (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabhaswamy, the deity of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. An intriguing feature to note during your visit to the temple is a cave located in the right (north) corner of the lake. According to local legend, the deity Anantha Padmanabha is said to have travelled through that cave all the way to Thiruvananthapuram. As a result, both the temples in Kumbla and Thiruvananthapuram share similar names.
Ananthapura Lake Temple is also esteemed as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in the Vaishnavite tradition. This ancient Lord Vishnu temple dates back to the 9th century. The temple venerates Lord Vishnu as Ananthapadmanabha Swami, seated atop Adisesha, the serpent god. The temple's exquisite wooden architecture intricately depicts tales from the Dasavatharam, narrating the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Babiya, a vegetarian crocodile, was revered as the guardian and messenger of the Ananthapura Lake Temple. The temple offerings fed to her twice a week were the only foods she used to consume. Remarkably, Babiya never harmed humans or the fish in the temple pond. Unfortunately, on October 9, 2022, Babiya passed away, marking the end of her long tenure as the temple pond's official resident.
Entry/Darshan Time
5:30 AM to 1 PM
5:30 PM to 8 PM
Specialty
- Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kasaragod is the only lake temple in Kerala.
- Ananthapura Lake Temple gained fame for its vegetarian crocodile named Babiya. Unfortunately, she is no longer alive.
Dress Code
There is no special dress code for visiting Ananthapura Lake Temple. But, it's advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, preferably in traditional attire, while visiting the temple.
Festivals
Vaarshika Utsavam
Tapotsavam
Best Time to Visit
Throughout the year
How to reach
By Air : Mangalore Airport and Kannur International Airport are the nearest airports, situated 53.5 Km and 124 Km away from Ananthapura Lake Temple respectively. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the temple.
By Train : The nearest railway station is Kumbla Railway Station, 8.1 Km away from Ananthapura Lake Temple. From the railway station, one can hire a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road : Ananthapura Lake Temple is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.