Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kerala
The Ananthapura temple is dedicated to the resident and reigning deity of the town of Tirvanthapuram, Padmansbhaswamy. Although Thiruvananthapuram has a separate and much elaborate and detailed temple with a sprawling campus dedicated solely to the deity form of Lord Vishnu, the creator and preserver in the Hindu pantheon of Gods, it is believed the original site of the Padmanabhaswamy temple is this quaint and intriguingly designed temple in the middle of a lake in Ananthapura village, in the South Indian coastal state of Kerela. This temple in the village of Ananthapura is believed to be the moolasthan or the original installation venue of the deity Padmanabhaswamy, and is hence referred to as the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
Interestingly these waters surrounding the shrine of the deity Anantha Padmanabha Swamy are infested by a single vegetarian crocodile that is believed to be guarding the riches and treasures of the temple and safeguarding the welfare of its deity. The temple crocodile has become a major attraction and has been living in these waters for more than 2 decades now as a vegetarian. The crocodile is fondly called Babia by tourists and temple staff. Situated deep within the little village of Ananthapura, the Ananthapura Lake Temple as it is popularly referred to is located in the Kasaragod District of Kerala. Interesting spot to keep in mind while visiting the temple is a cave to the right corner of the lake, which according to mythology is believed to be the gateway portal that led the deity Anantha Padmanabha all the way to Thiruvananthapuram despite being on either end of the region.
Timings
Ananthapura Lake Temple open at 05:30 AM to 12:30 PM and then again 05:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Ritual Timings
The daily Pooja performed at 07:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 07:00 PM