Mystery of Babiya – The Vegetarian Crocodile of Ananthapura Lake Temple

 

Nestled in Kasaragod, Kerala, the Ananthapura Lake Temple is a unique shrine situated right in the middle of a serene lake. Believed to be the original abode (Moolasthanam) of Lord Anantha Padmanabhaswamy, this temple is not only spiritually significant but also famous for its extraordinary guardian – Babiya, the vegetarian crocodile.

Babiya – The Temple Guardian

The most fascinating aspect of the temple was Babiya, the crocodile who lived peacefully in the lake. Unlike any other crocodile in the world, Babiya was said to be completely vegetarian.

• It never harmed the fish in the lake.
• It only ate the prasadam (rice and jaggery) offered by devotees after prayers.

Babiya became a symbol of divine protection and harmony. When it passed away in October 2022, the crocodile was given a farewell with full state honours, reflecting its revered status.

The Tradition of the Guardian Crocodile

Local belief holds that the lake is always protected by a crocodile. When one guardian dies, another mysteriously appears. True to this tradition, a new crocodile was reportedly spotted in 2023, continuing Babiya’s legacy. Devotees see these guardians as messengers of God, safeguarding the temple for centuries.

Connection to Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Ananthapura Lake Temple is considered the original site of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Legends say that Lord Vishnu traveled from this lake to Thiruvananthapuram, establishing the famous shrine there.

The idols here are unique, crafted not from stone or metal but from a special Ayurvedic mixture called Kadusharkara Yogam, made from over 70 medicinal herbs.

The Sacred Cave and Passage

Beside the temple lies an ancient cave that opens into a smaller lake. According to local lore, this cave contains a secret passage leading directly to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Priests and devotees worship this cave daily, considering it a sacred link between the two temples.

A Temple in the Middle of a Lake

Ananthapura is the only temple in Kerala built in the middle of a large lake. Connected by a small bridge, the temple offers a tranquil setting surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery. The atmosphere here is deeply spiritual, making it a rare and peaceful place of worship.