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Ananthapura Lake Temple, nestled in the serene village of Ananthapura in Kerala’s Kasaragod district, is the only lake temple in the state and holds a unique place in Hindu tradition. Revered as the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Lord Ananthapadmanabha—the presiding deity of the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram—this ancient shrine stands at the center of a pristine 2-acre lake, believed to have been constructed in the 9th century. The temple exudes a tranquil charm, attracting pilgrims and curious visitors alike with its rich history, sacred legends, and peaceful surroundings.
Ananthapura Lake Temple: A Sacred Shrine on Water
Built in traditional Kerala architectural style, the temple sits on a stone structure floating on a square lake, measuring approximately 302 feet on each side. The sanctum sanctorum is accessible via a narrow footbridge and is surrounded by calm waters teeming with fish, where fishing is strictly prohibited due to religious beliefs. The temple complex features exquisite wood carvings depicting scenes from the Dashavatara and celestial motifs like the Navagrahas and Dwarapalakas on the pavilion ceilings.
A small cave in the corner of the lake is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu disappeared, creating a mythical underground path to Thiruvananthapuram. According to legend, the sage Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam meditated here, and Lord Vishnu appeared before him as a child before vanishing into this cave.
The temple is also known for the sacred crocodile “Babiya,” a docile, vegetarian guardian of the lake, who lived there for decades without harming anyone—a phenomenon that drew attention across India. The presence of Babiya added a mystical allure to the temple until its passing, but the temple continues to be revered as a deeply spiritual site.
Visitor Information
Ananthapura Lake Temple lies approximately 30 km from Kasaragod and just 6 km from Kumbla. It is well-connected by road, with public buses and auto-rickshaws readily available from surrounding towns. The nearest railway station is Kumbla, located about 5 km away, while Mangalore International Airport is around 54 km from the temple. Visitors coming from Kannur Airport, roughly 62 km away, can reach the site by taxi or local bus services.
The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Morning pooja is conducted at 7:30 AM, and the special Babiya Naivedya ritual is held at 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Annual events like the Vaarshikothsava, Navaanna in Thulam month, and bhajana programmes during Krishnashtami and Ramayana Month are observed with traditional fervor.
Visitors are advised to respect temple customs—entry is restricted during periods of impurity (Ame, Sootaka), and dark-colored lungis are not allowed. Men are required to remove their shirts and vests during darshan.
Ananthapura Lake Temple is not just a place of worship—it’s a spiritual retreat surrounded by natural beauty, cultural heritage, and mythological wonder.
FAQ's
Entry Fee of Ananthapura Lake Temple
There is no entry fee for Ananthapura Lake Temple
Best Time to Visit Ananthapura Lake Temple
One can visit this temple throughout the year.
Things to Do at Ananthapura Lake Temple
Explore the temple Structure, Religious activities, Photography, etc.
How to Reach Ananthapura Lake Temple
The nearest railway station to Ananthapura Lake Temple is Kasaragod Railway station which is on the Kozhikode-Madhur road, about 14 km. The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport (Karnataka) which is about 57 km away from the temple.
