Temples have a close relation with humans and animals alike. One such example Ananthapura temple crocodile Babiya, near Kasargod in Kerala, on the border region with Karnataka
I have always been fond of South Indian temples, particular the Kerala style ones. There is so much richness in architecture, showing clearly how ancient kings dedicated their lives to making them and leaving a legacy. In contrast to North Indian temples, the idols are made of wood or granite stone, without too much color adorning them. Kerala style temples are distinct from other South Indian temples too, with tiled kovils and without long gopuras. The roofs are tiered or conical. The idols are dressed like humans with jewelry, garlands and flowers
One of the standout temples in Kerala is the Ananthapura temple that stands amidst a pond. Dedicated to Lord Anantha Padmanabhaswamy, this temple is known to be connected to the similar named temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the richest temple in the world at one point in time
We had planned a small family trip with my paternal aunts around Bekal fort, Kasargod temples. I had heard of the Ananthapura temple before for its famous crocodile which roamed across temples premises without harming anyone. I was excited to finally be able to visit this temple
The surroundings of the temple were serene. The main sanctum is accessible by a footbridge. The sleeping idol of Lord Vishnu on snake Anantha gave a divine sense of calm. We stayed for the pooja and circled the pond hoping to find the crocodile but had no luck. We stayed for some time waiting for it to make an appearance. After some wait, my family decided to head back to the car
I wanted to make one more attempt and asked the priest about where I could find the crocodile. He gladly agreed to show around and came with me for a short walk towards another pond. We had to go into knee-deep water inside the pond towards one end where the crocodile would usually rest. He called out Babiya softly and the crocodile emerged from the waters to poke its eyes out, had a look at who had come in, and went back with not much interest inside again. We were just a couple of feet away!
This lasted only for a few seconds, but there was some divine feel to it. I was elated about the experience and ran back to invite my family towards the pond. We were already late waiting for my return, so they were not too keen to go towards the pond again. The exclusive experience felt even more special after that
The crocodile was famous for eating rice and jaggery prasadam after the pooja, entering the temple and resting on the side walks at night, not harming the fishes in the pond and peacefully co-existing with humans. It used to travel between the ponds usually at night. It went on to live for 75 years till 2022. There were reports of another crocodile appearing a year after its death in 2023. Babiya was the third crocodile in the lake appearing after death of her predecessors
The temple is 5 km from closest railway station at Kumble, the place made famous by bowler Anil Kumble. Mangalore is the nearest airport, about 60 km away. It is a good weekend getaway to visit the region combining Bekal, Maddur and Ananthapura temples
I am looking forward to visiting this temple to visit the new Babiya