As name suggests the temple lies in mid of lake. The deity of the temple is Sri Mahavishnu. The beautiful temple is present in Kasargod district of Kerala. Not many houses around and almost people free zone except at temple sight. The temple was renovated in the year 2008.
The specialty of this temple is the idols of gods are not made of metal but of 108 herbal types. Since old icons had lost strength, in 1976 effort was made to develop metal idols. However, due to some incidents, it is believed that Lord Vishnu did not admire it and again the idols were made with herbals. This incident was quoted by temple worshiper. The sculptor was vaikom Shri Kailsh. It is believed that this temple is origin of Tiruvananthapuram Anantapadmanabha temple. Here in the temple Sri Anantapadmanabha is seated on serpent. Nearby there are idols of Sri-Devi and Bhoo-Devi. The Hanumanta and Garuda nod at the deity. There are idols of Nagakannike near by deity. Jaya and Vijaya stand as gate keepers. The temple is in mid of lake. There is small platform linking the temple entrance and deity's place. During heavy rains, the water in lake spills over the platform. Inside the deity's place there are mythology paintings. There is one more wall cover to preserve paintings.
The specialty of this temple is the idols of gods are not made of metal but of 108 herbal types. Since old icons had lost strength, in 1976 effort was made to develop metal idols. However, due to some incidents, it is believed that Lord Vishnu did not admire it and again the idols were made with herbals. This incident was quoted by temple worshiper. The sculptor was vaikom Shri Kailsh. It is believed that this temple is origin of Tiruvananthapuram Anantapadmanabha temple. Here in the temple Sri Anantapadmanabha is seated on serpent. Nearby there are idols of Sri-Devi and Bhoo-Devi. The Hanumanta and Garuda nod at the deity. There are idols of Nagakannike near by deity. Jaya and Vijaya stand as gate keepers. The temple is in mid of lake. There is small platform linking the temple entrance and deity's place. During heavy rains, the water in lake spills over the platform. Inside the deity's place there are mythology paintings. There is one more wall cover to preserve paintings.
The mythology of temple relates to devotee Bilvamangalatu swamiji. The devotee seems to be eminent as Bilvamangala in Bengal. While once swamiji was worshiping god, lord Vishnu disguised as a boy reached swamiji. It seems boy was too mischievous and interrupted swamiji's rituals. Irritated swamiji pushed the boy from his left hand. Furious boy disappeared near cave saying "you will see me again only in Ananta Forest". Later swamiji realized that it was none other than Lord Vishnu. Swamiji followed the way within the cave which lead to sea shore. From there it is believed that he traveled towards south to reach Ananta forest. Finally he reached Tiruvananthapuram where he had view of Lord Vishnu again. The same place is believed to be Padmanabha Swamy Temple of Tiruvananthapuram. Even today one can see the cave in north-east of Anantapura temple where Lord Vishnu disappeared. There is a well near the cave. The water for daily worship is pulled from this well.
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| Anantapura Temple in mid of lake |
There is Lord Krishna temple towards south-west of main temple. The main attraction here is the crocodile present in the lake. Around 67 years back the British had killed the crocodile. However one more crocodile appeared next day. Nobody knows the source of crocodile since there are no rivers or lakes near by. The crocodile is harmless. Everyday the temple worshiper presents food to crocodile around 12PM. The name of crocodile is Babiya. If worshiper calls crocodile with its name nearby cave, the crocodile silently comes and have food. Worshiper told us that sometimes it comes out during evening time also.
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| Cave where crocodile Babiya resides |
Specials:
1) "MOSALE NAIVEDYA" (Rice to Crocodile) is prominent offering here in temple.
2) Deities are served with free meals in afternoon.
How to reach:
If you are coming from Mangalore, travel towards Kasargod along NH-17 (NH-66) and stop at Kumble. Follow the signboards and you will reach Kumble-Badiyadka road. Travel towards east for four kms and towards right you have signboard for the temple. Then travel in the narrow road for 1km to reach temple. It seems like there are no public transport to this place. Better to come by private vehicles.
There are no guest houses near by temple. Stay in Kumble or Kasargod or Mangalore.
Temple timings:
6:30 AM to 12:30 PM
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Ideal time to visit: November to March
Other places nearby:
- Madhur ananteshwara siddhi-vinayak temple
- Kumble gopalakrishna temple
- Bekal fort
- Kasargod light house
Source: Temple information and mythology obtained from pamphlet provided in temple.
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