Ananthapura Lake Temple Festival (Ananthapura, Kumbla)

About this event

Ananthapura Lake Temple, also known as Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, is a historic Vishnu temple in Ananthapura near Kumbla in Kasaragod district, Kerala. Believed to date to the 9th century, it is situated on a rocky setting within a rectangular lake and is recognised by Kerala Tourism as the only lake temple in Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Ananthapadmanabha, depicted seated on the serpent king Anantha, with Sree Devi and Bhoodevi associated with the shrine. The temple is traditionally regarded as the moolasthanam, or original abode, of Lord Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of the renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This connection is rooted in local tradition and the legend of Vilwamangalathu Swami, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Lord Krishna appeared to the sage in the form of a child before disappearing into a cave at Ananthapura; the sacred narrative subsequently connects the deity’s journey with the establishment of the shrine at Thiruvananthapuram. The temple’s natural setting is one of its defining features. A perennial spring feeds the lake, while a footbridge provides access to the temple complex. The mandapam contains notable wooden carvings depicting episodes from the Dasavathara, the ten incarnations of Vishnu, while images of the Navagrahas and carved Dwarapalakas add to the artistic character of the shrine. The temple’s original idols were traditionally made using kadu-sharkara-yogam, a rare compound involving medicinal materials, before being replaced by panchaloha images in 1972. The lake and its surroundings are also connected with several sacred legends, including a cave and a small water-filled pit at the northeastern side of the lake that is regarded as a sacred spot. For generations, the temple was particularly associated with a crocodile known as Babia, traditionally regarded as the guardian of the shrine and believed by devotees to have lived on offerings from the temple. Babia died in 2022, and the temple’s association with its legendary crocodile guardian remains an important part of its cultural identity. The temple continues to function as an active place of worship and welcomes visitors irrespective of caste or creed, according to Kerala Tourism. Its combination of Vaishnavite tradition, distinctive architecture, sacred legends and an unusual lake setting makes Ananthapura an important part of Kasaragod’s religious and cultural heritage.

🚆 Railway: Kumbla Railway Station – approximately 6 km; Kasaragod Railway Station – approximately 13–14 km.

✈️ Airport: Mangaluru International Airport – approximately 52–56 km; Kannur International Airport is farther away.

🚌 Bus: Kumbla Bus Station is approximately 5–5.5 km away. The temple is reached from Kumbla via the Kumbla–Badiadka road, with a deviation at Nayakkap.

🏨 Stay: Accommodation is available in Kumbla, Kasaragod and the wider Bekal region, with additional options in Mangaluru.

✅ Notes: Temple timings listed by Kerala Tourism are 5:30 am–12:30 pm and 5:30 pm–7:30 pm. The temple is traditionally associated with the guardian crocodile Babia, which died in 2022. Visitors should follow the temple's customary dress and conduct requirements.