About Ananthapura Lake Temple
The Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple at Ananthapura, near Kumbla in Kasaragod district, is the only temple in Kerala built in the middle of a lake. Its sanctum stands inside a rectangular tank of about two acres fed by a natural spring, and is reached by a narrow footbridge. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Ananthapadmanabha, seated on the serpent Ananta. Many devotees believe this is the original abode (moolasthanam) of the deity who is worshipped in the reclining form at the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Local legend links the temple to the sage Vilwamangalam, who is said to have worshipped here. Lord Vishnu came to him in the form of a mischievous boy, and when the sage lost patience with him, the boy vanished through a cave, telling the sage to look for him in Ananthankadu. The sage followed and finally found the Lord near the sea far to the south, where Thiruvananthapuram now stands. The cave at one corner of the lake is pointed out as the one the boy used. The temple was also known for a gentle vegetarian crocodile called Babiya, which lived in the lake for decades and was fed rice prasad until its death in 2022.
The sanctum, the namaskara mandapam, a shrine of Jala Durga and the cave entrance are all inside the lake, while ruins of older structures can be seen around its edges. The original idols were made of kadu-sharkara-yogam, a mixture of more than seventy natural materials, and were later replaced with panchaloha images. The wooden ceilings and walls carry carvings and traditional murals, and the still water around the shrine gives the whole place a quiet, reflective feel.
Ananthapura Lake Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning, after opening (approx.) |
| Uchha puja (noon) | Before the midday closing (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ananthapura Lake Temple
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is about 45 km away.
By train
Kumbla railway station is about 6 km away; Kasaragod station is about 13 km away.
By road
Buses and autos run from Kumbla and Kasaragod; the temple is a few kilometres off the National Highway.
Festivals at Ananthapura Lake Temple
- VishuApr
- NavaratriSep/Oct
- Vaikuntha EkadashiDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional Kerala temple dress is expected: men in dhoti or mundu, usually without shirts inside; women in saree, salwar kameez or long skirts.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Plan to arrive in the morning or late afternoon, as the temple closes in the middle of the day.
- The footbridge to the sanctum is narrow; move slowly when it is crowded.
- Photography inside the sanctum is not allowed.
- Carry an umbrella during the monsoon, as Kasaragod gets very heavy rain.
- Do not throw food or objects into the lake.
Places to visit near Ananthapura Lake Temple
- Kumbla townCoastal town on the highway, about 6 km away
- Madhur Madanantheshwara Siddhivinayaka TempleGanesha and Shiva temple on the Madhuvahini river, about 15 km away
- Kasaragod townDistrict headquarters with the Mallikarjuna Temple, about 13 km away
- Bekal FortLarge seaside fort, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ananthapura called a lake temple?
Its sanctum stands in the middle of a spring-fed tank, often called a lake, and is reached by a footbridge. It is the only such temple in Kerala.
Is Ananthapura the original seat of Padmanabhaswamy?
Tradition says so. Local legend holds that the Lord went from here to Thiruvananthapuram through a cave at the edge of the lake.
Is there a crocodile at Ananthapura Lake Temple?
A crocodile named Babiya lived in the lake for many years and was famous for being harmless; it died in 2022. Reports of crocodiles in the lake continue from time to time.
What is the dress code at Ananthapura temple?
Traditional dress is expected. Men usually wear a dhoti and remove their shirts, and women wear a saree or salwar kameez.
What is the aarti time at Ananthapura Lake Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning, after opening (approx.); Uchha puja (noon): Before the midday closing (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Ananthapura Lake Temple timings?
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
How to reach Ananthapura Lake Temple?
By air: Mangaluru International Airport is about 45 km away. By train: Kumbla railway station is about 6 km away; Kasaragod station is about 13 km away. By road: Buses and autos run from Kumbla and Kasaragod; the temple is a few kilometres off the National Highway.
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