The Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, popularly known as the Ananthapura Lake Temple, is a unique spiritual landmark located in the Manjeshwar taluk of Kasaragod, Kerala. As the only lake temple in the state, it holds a prestigious position in the Vaishnavite tradition, believed to be the Moolasthanam (original seat) of the world-renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
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History and Mythology
The temple's origins are steeped in the legend of the great sage Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam. It is said that while the sage performed penance here, Lord Vishnu appeared as a playful child. Following a moment of divine friction, the child disappeared into a cave located in the north corner of the lake, proclaiming he could be found in "Ananthankat." The sage followed the Lord through this cave, eventually reaching Thiruvananthapuram. This mythological "subterranean link" binds the two temples, making Ananthapura a site of immense antiquity.
Architecture and Unique Deities
The temple's architecture is a testament to Kerala’s distinct structural style. The Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and Namaskara-mandapam are built on a rectangular island within a two-acre lake fed by perennial springs. A footbridge serves as the only access to the inner shrines.
Historically, the temple was famous for its idols made from Kadu-sharkara-yogam, a rare and complex mixture of over 70 medicinal herbs, clay, and resins. While these were replaced by Panchaloha (five-metal alloy) in 1972, current conservation efforts are focused on reinstalling the medicinal idols to honor the temple's unique scientific and spiritual heritage. The ceiling of the Mandapam features exquisite wood carvings of the Dashavatara, preserved as prime examples of medieval Kerala craftsmanship.
Religious Significance and Festivals
As one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams, the temple is a major pilgrimage center. Its open-door policy, welcoming all visitors regardless of caste or creed, reflects its inclusive spiritual legacy. The lake is also home to a famous "vegetarian crocodile" (successively named Babia), believed to be a guardian of the shrine. Major festivals follow the traditional Kerala calendar, attracting thousands of devotees who seek the "original" blessings of Padmanabha.
Conservation and Tourism
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the Archaeological Department are actively involved in preserving the site. Conservation work includes protecting the surrounding ruins of the ancient temple complex and maintaining the lake’s water quality. Recent initiatives have focused on highlighting the site as a tranquil eco-tourism destination that balances modern accessibility with its ancient, mystical aura.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananthapura_Lake_Temple#Crocodile
https://bookmykeralatrip.com/anantha-pura-lake-temple.html
https://holyshrines.in/ananthapura-lake-temple-ananthapura
K.N. Jayaraman
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