Heaven on Earth - Ananthapura Temple!

We all want to know how god lived and where he lived. He lives everywhere, but there’s one place where he created heaven on earth by deciding to settle down there - Kerala! Kerala’s Ananthapura lake temple is so unique, that one knows exactly why Lord Ananthapadmanabha chose this place as his moolasthanam or original abode. Located in Kumbla, 40kms from Mangalore, it is the only lake temple in Kerala. The only way to enter this beautiful temple of the Lord, is through a cave, considered sacred as the locals believe that Lord Ananthapadmanabha himself traveled this path to get to his original abode. The main temple is surrounded by a lake spread over 2 acres around the temple. There is a small bridge that devotees are required to cross to reach the main temple. Believing that all are equally dear to the Lord, the authorities at the Anathapura Lake temple do not discriminate among the devotees of any caste or creed willing to enter the temple. It is open to all so that everyone can share the Lord’s mercy. This is not all. There are many more interesting facts about the Ananthapura Lake temple as you read further.

Normally we see that the deities of a temple are made of stone or metal, but the deities at the Ananthapura Lake temple are a result of the coming together of 108 minerals collected from across the country starting from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The deities have a unique name. They are called Kadusharkara yogam. The walls of the Ananthapura Lake temple are beautifully carved with sacred texts in Tulu language. Other than this, the major attraction of the Ananthapura Lake temple is the vegetarian crocodile that constantly guards the temple. It has been the experience of devotees and temple authorities that the crocodile eats only the sweet prepared with jaggery and rice only when given by the temple authorities.

It comes at exactly at 1:30 in the afternoon to have lunch. This 76 year old, male crocodile called Babia is satisfied with having one meal per day and has not harmed any human or fish in the lake till date. That is very unusual isn’t it? Another interesting fact about the crocodiles in this lake is that only one crocodile can survive in this lake at one time. You will never find two crocodiles coexisting in the Ananthapura lake temple. To witness all this, it is best if you plan a trip in April. This month is special because, this is the time [Medam month] is auspicious according to the Malayalam calender and they take the deities on a ceremonial procession during this time. You can also witness the popular art form of Karnataka, Yakshaganam. So, if you want to visit the Ananthapura Lake temple, the best time is now!     

- Kruti Beesam

సరస్వతీ ఆలయం - బాసర

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