Kasaragod Sri Ananthapura Lake Temple- Kerala

Address

Kasaragod Sri Ananthapura Lake Temple- Ananthapura, Via, Kumbla Angadimogar, Kerala 671321

Deity

Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Amman: Sri devi, Bhudevi

Introduction:

• Location: The Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple (also known as Anantha Lake Temple) is a unique temple situated in the middle of a lake in the village of Ananthapura, around 6 km from Kumbla in the Manjeshwaram Taluk of Kasaragod District, Kerala.
• Original Seat of the Deity: This temple is believed to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swamy, the deity of the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. According to legend, Anantha Padmanabha traveled from Ananthapura to Thiruvananthapuram via an underground cave, linking the two locations spiritually.
• Unique Location: The temple is built in the middle of a lake that spans about 2 acres (302 feet square), surrounded by lush landscapes, offering an ambiance of serenity and devotion.

Puranic Significance:

• Vilwamangalam Swamy Legend: The temple is closely associated with the Tulu Brahmin sage Vilwamangalam Swamy. According to legend, Lord Narayana appeared before the sage in the form of a glowing child. The boy stayed with the sage, warning that he would leave if ever humiliated. Eventually, the sage lost his patience and reacted harshly, causing the boy to disappear. The child revealed himself as Lord Vishnu and promised to appear in Ananthankat, the forest of the serpent god Anantha.
• Divine Manifestation: Following the boy’s disappearance, Vilwamangalam saw the child enter a Mahua tree, which then fell and transformed into Lord Vishnu lying on a thousand-hooded serpent. This marked the divine presence of Lord Anantha Padmanabha at the temple, giving it a powerful spiritual significance.

Beliefs:

• Restoration of Lost Items and Prosperity: Devotees believe that special worship performed at the temple helps retrieve lost items and positions. The faithful also believe that the temple removes their shortcomings and bestows prosperity upon them.

Special Features:

• Lake Temple Structure: The temple’s structure is unique, as it is erected in the middle of an expansive lake filled with pure spring water. This lake, with its perennial source, adds to the temple’s mystic charm.
• Idols: Originally, the idols in the sanctum sanctorum were made from a rare mixture of eight medicinal materials known as kadu-sharkara-yogam. These were replaced by panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idols in 1972, donated by Jayendra Saraswathi Thiruvatikal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Efforts are ongoing to reinstall the kadu-sharkara-yogam idols.
• Main Deity: The principal deity, Lord Vishnu, is depicted in a sitting pose over a five-hooded serpent, Lord Anantha.
• Crocodile Babia: A remarkable feature of the temple is Babia, a vegetarian crocodile that has been living in the temple lake for over 60 years. This crocodile consumes only a special meal of rice and jaggery prepared by the temple officials.
• Wood Carvings and Paintings: The temple boasts intricate wood carvings on the ceiling of the mandapam, depicting scenes from the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu). The Nava-grahas (nine planets) are painted in the muktha-mandapam. On either side of the sanctum sanctorum, the Dwarapalakas (gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya) are beautifully carved in wood.

Festivals:

• Navanna: Celebrated on the first day of Ippasi (October-November), a festival dedicated to the new harvest.
• Tabotsavam: Held on the 14th day of Kumbham (Masi, corresponding to March), this is another significant festival.
• Pavurnami and Krishna Ashtami: Special poojas are performed on full moon (Pavurnami) and Krishna Ashtami days.
• Month of Adi (Jan): The entire month of Adi is considered auspicious, and special poojas are performed. This month is associated with the reading of the Ramayana in Kerala.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Malabar Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Kumbla

Nearest Railway Station

Thrikaripur

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

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