Ananthapura Lake Temple is a unique Hindu temple located in the village of Ananthapura, about 6 kilometers from Kumbla in Kerala, India. Built in the 9th century, it is the only lake temple in Kerala. The temple is situated in the middle of a rectangular lake measuring approximately 302 feet on each side.
The main deity worshipped here is Lord Vishnu, depicted as Ananthapadmanabha, seated on the serpent king Anantha. Originally, the idol was made from a mixture of over 70 medicinal materials called ‘kadu-sharkara-yogam.’ In 1972, it was replaced with a panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idol.
A notable feature of the temple is its resident crocodile, known as Babiya, which is believed to be the temple’s guardian. Babiya is said to be vegetarian, consuming only the temple offerings.
The temple is open to visitors of all castes and creeds. It is located about 5 kilometers from Kumbla Railway Station and approximately 54 kilometers from Mangalore Airport.
Ananthapura Lake Temple is not only a place of worship but also a site of historical and architectural significance, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
Bhimashankar Temple 2025 : Timings,Dates & Prices
overview table of the Ananthapura Lake Temple:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ananthapura, Kasaragod District, Kerala, India |
| Deity | Lord Vishnu (Ananthapadmanabha Swami) |
| Architecture | Built in the middle of a 2-acre freshwater lake, featuring a Srikovil connected by a footbridge |
| Legend | Believed to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami |
| Historical Significance | Dates back to the 9th century, one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavism |
| Unique Features | Cave believed to lead to Thiruvananthapuram, a vegetarian crocodile named “Babiya” |
| Timings | 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily |
| Entry Fee | Free |
Ananthapura Lake Temple Darshan Timings
| Time Slot | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily |
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Ananthapura Lake Temple Pooja/Aarti Offerings Time-Table
| Pooja/Aarti | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Pooja | 7:30 AM (Mon-Sun) |
| Noon Pooja | 12:30 PM (Mon-Sun) |
| Evening Pooja | 7:30 PM (Mon-Sun) |
| Babiya Naivedya | 8:00 AM & 12:00 PM (Daily) |
the sevas (rituals) and their prices at the Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple:
| Seva Name | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Kartika Pooja | 40 |
| Special Kartika Pooja | 100 |
| Kartika Pooja with Deepalankara | 400 |
| Panchakajjaya | 20 |
| Kumkumarchane | 10 |
| Swayamvara Pushpanjali | 50 |
| Pushpanjali | 10 |
| Karpoorarati | 5 |
| Balivadu | 50 |
| Milk Payasam | 60 |
| Jaggery Payasam | 60 |
| Trimadhura | 25 |
| Ksheerabhisheka | 10 |
| Pushpahara | 10 |
| Special Prarthane | 20 |
| Kalasha Japa | 10 |
| Sahasra Namarchane | 50 |
| Astottara Archane | 15 |
| Panchamrutha | 60 |
| Ganapati Havanam | 400 |
| Pavamana Sookta Abhisheka | 300 |
| Durga Namaskara Pooja | 225 |
| Tailabhisheka | 50 |
| Annaprashana | 25 |
| Vidyarambha | 50 |
| Shani Japa | 15 |
| Vehicle Pooja | 50 |
| Shasthara Pooja | 50 |
| Tambila | 100 |
| 1 Day Nanda Deepa (Oil) | 50 |
| 1 Month Nanda Deepa (Oil) | 900 |
| 1 Day Nanda Deepa (Ghee) | 100 |
| 1 Month Nanda Deepa (Ghee) | 1600 |
| Prathima Samarpane | 10 |
| Purusha Sookta Abhisheka | 20 |
| Sarvaseve | 400 |
| Shashwata Pooja | 1000 |
| Pournami Bhajane | 10 |
| Sathyanarayana Pooja | 300 |
| Tulabhara | 100 |
| Tambila (with Kind) | 100 |
| Vivaha (Marriage) | 1500 |
| Brahmopadesham (Upanayanam) | 750 |
| Balivadu (1 Kg White Rice, 1 Coconut) | 15 |
| 1 Day Pooja | 500 |
| One Time Pooja | 300 |
Here is the contact information for the Ananthapura Lake Temple:
| Contact Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, Ananthapura P.O., Kannur, Manjeshwara Taluk, Kasaragod – 671 321, Kerala, India |
| Phone | +91 4998 214360 |
| Mobile / WhatsApp | +91 82813 90099 |
| info@ananthapuratemple.com | |
| Website | www.ananthapuratemple.com |
| Social Media | Facebook: Sri Ananthapura |
| Twitter: Sri Ananthapura | |
| Instagram: Sri Ananthapura | |
| YouTube: Sri Ananthapura |
Faqs
1. What are the temple’s visiting hours?
The temple is open daily during the following hours:
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Evening: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Pooja (worship) ceremonies are conducted at:
- Morning Pooja: 7:30 AM
- Noon Pooja: 12:30 PM
- Evening Pooja: 7:30 PM
Please note that these timings are subject to change during special occasions or festivals. For the most current information, it’s advisable to contact the temple directly or visit their official website.
2. Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Ananthapura Lake Temple. However, donations are welcome.
3. Are non-Hindus allowed to enter the temple?
Yes, the Ananthapura Lake Temple is open to all visitors, regardless of religion or caste. There are no restrictions mentioned, and typically, no one inquires about a visitor’s religious background.
4. Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly in traditional attire:
- Men: Should wear dhotis or pyjamas with their upper body bare or minimally clothed. Shirts and trousers are not permitted.
- Women: Should wear sarees, half-sarees, or churidars. Leggings or jeans are not allowed.
Adhering to this dress code is important to maintain the sanctity of the temple
5. What is the significance of the temple’s location?
The Ananthapura Lake Temple is unique as it is the only lake temple in Kerala. Built in the 9th century, it is situated in the middle of a lake in Kasaragod district. The temple is believed to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami, the deity of the renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
6. Who is Babiya, the temple’s resident crocodile?
Babiya was a crocodile that resided in the temple’s lake and was known for being a vegetarian. It was believed to be the guardian of the temple pond and was revered by devotees. Babiya passed away in October 2022.
7. Are there any festivals celebrated at the temple?
Yes, the temple celebrates several festivals, including:
- Tapotsavam: Celebrated in April, this festival involves various rituals and attracts many devotees.
- Vaikunta Ekadasi: A ten-day festival during which the temple is adorned with vibrant decorations, and special pujas are conducted.
8. How can I reach the Ananthapura Lake Temple?
The temple is located about 6 km from the town of Kumbla in Kasaragod district. The nearest major railway station is Kumbla Railway Station, approximately 5 km away. The closest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 54 km from the temple. From these points, local transportation options like taxis and buses can be used to reach the temple.
9. Is photography allowed inside the temple?
There are restrictions on photography in certain parts of the temple. It’s advisable to follow the temple’s guidelines and avoid taking photographs in prohibited areas to maintain the sanctity of the premises.
10. Are guided tours available at the temple?
Yes, guided tours are available upon request and provide deeper insights into the temple’s history and legends.
For more detailed information, you can visit the temple’s official website or contact them directly:
- Website: ananthapuratemple.com
- Phone: +91 4998 214360
- Email: info@ananthapuratemple.com