Ananthapura Lake Temple, also known as Ananthapura Lake Temple, is a unique Hindu temple situated in the middle of a lake in Ananthapura, near Kumbla in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and holds significant religious and cultural importance. According to tradition, the temple is considered the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swamy, whose grand temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is also one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavism, revered as a holy site of Lord Vishnu worship.
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Legends of the Temple
The temple is closely associated with the legend of Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam, a sage who performed penance at this location. According to the story, Lord Narayana appeared before him as a mischievous child. The sage allowed the boy to stay but, after becoming frustrated by the child's pranks, humiliated him. The boy, who was revealed to be Lord Narayana, left the place, proclaiming that Vilwamangalam could find him at Ananthankat, the forest of the serpent god Anantha. The sage later repented and embarked on a search for the Lord, which led him to the area where Thiruvananthapuram now stands, thus linking the two temples.
Temple Structure and Deity
The Ananthapura Lake Temple is notable for its unique structure, situated on a lake that spans about 2 acres. The temple has ruins of other structures around the lake, indicating that it was once part of a larger temple complex. The temple’s main deity is Lord Vishnu seated on the serpent Anantha, in a five-hooded pose.
The original idols in the sanctum were made from a rare medicinal combination called kadu-sharkara-yogam, rather than metal or stone. These idols were replaced with panchaloha (a five-metal alloy) idols in 1972, donated by the Kanchi Kamakoti Math. Efforts are ongoing to restore the original medicinal idols.
The temple also features intricate wood carvings, including depictions of the Dashavatara (the ten incarnations of Vishnu) and the Navagrahas (nine planets). The carvings are beautifully preserved and painted, adding to the artistic and cultural significance of the temple.
Unique Features
An interesting spot at the temple is a cave located at the northern corner of the lake. According to local lore, this cave leads to Thiruvananthapuram, symbolically connecting the two temples. The lake, fed by a natural spring, adds a serene and mystical atmosphere to the temple.
How to Reach
Ananthapura Lake Temple is accessible by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Kumbla, about 5 km from the temple, and the nearest airport is Mangalore Airport, around 54 km away. The temple is open to all visitors, irrespective of caste or religion, and is a notable site for both spiritual and cultural tourism.It is 5 km form Bekal.
Preservation Efforts
The temple and its surroundings are being preserved by the District Tourism Promotion Council for their historical and religious significance. The temple remains a symbol of Kerala's spiritual heritage, attracting devotees and visitors from all backgrounds.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananthapura_Lake_Temple
https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/ananthapura-lake-temple-kerala
https://interludejourney.com/ananthapura-babiya-vegetarian-crocodile
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