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A Year After Babiya’s Death, New Crocodile Appears At Kerala’s Ananthapura Lake Temple

by Sanjana Shenoy
A Year After Babiya’s Death, New Crocodile Appears At Kerala’s Ananthapura Lake Temple

Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple in Kerala, a year ago, mourned the death of its beloved crocodile, Babiya. The 75-year-old vegetarian crocodile was a temple attraction that was loved by everyone, the priests and devotees alike. But the mysterious legacy of Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple continues! A year after the death of Babiya, another crocodile appeared in the lake near the temple.

New Crocodile Spotted At Kerala’s Ananthapura Lake, A Year After Babiya’s Death

According to a report by NDTV, on November 8, a new crocodile was spotted in a cave along the Ananthpura lake by some devotees. This comes one year after the death of Babiya, a vegetarian crocodile who roamed around the temple premises and was loved by everyone. However, it doesn’t come as a surprise that a new crocodile has appeared mysteriously near the temple.

As per Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple’s website, when one crocodile passes away, another one inevitably appears in the lake. And this unexplained phenomenon will continue. Once devotees inform the priest about the presence of the crocodile, he will decide what needs to be done next. The temple official revealed to NDTV, that devotees spotted a young crocodile at a cave near the temple.

The website further states that traditionally a single crocodile resides in the temple lake. Apparently, the new crocodile is the third one the temple has seen, as per the elderly present there. Furthermore, it’s indeed a mysterious phenomenon about crocodiles appearing at the Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple.

This is because there is no river or pond near the temple that houses crocodiles. And whichever crocodile including Babiya have resided at the temple, have all been friendly, harmless and vegetarian, consuming the temple’s prasadam for sustenance.

Also Read: 7 Facts To Know About Dubai Crocodile Park

The Mysterious Legacy Attributed To Gajendra Story

Moreover, the presence of the crocodile at Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple reminds its devotees of the famous Gajendra Moksha stories in the Bhagavatha Puranam. The story goes that Gajendra, a powerful elephant, the leader of a big elephant herd was crossing a pond. As he made his way through the clear blue waters, a crocodile attacked the elephant. It clutched Gajendra’s foot with its large jaws.

Helpless, the elephant prayed to Lord Vishnu to rescue him. Lord Vishnu, hearing his devotee’s sincere prayers, used his Sudarshan chakra and sliced the crocodile in half. At that time, the crocodile changed its form and turned out to be a famous musician Hulu. He was cursed by a sage to turn into a crocodile. Gajendra the elephant was actually a king, Indradyumna, who faced the wrath of a sage who cursed him to become an elephant. Lord Vishnu, rescued the two beings from their curses and freed their souls.

Also Read: New Kind Of Fish That Resembles A Crocodile Found In Srinagar’s Dal Lake!

So, the next time you are in Kerala, be sure to visit Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple in Kasargod. Visited by celebrities, politicians and others, this Lord Vishnu temple is revered. Don’t forget to spot the friendly vegetarian crocodile, the temple pet and protector!

Cover Image Courtesy: @ShobhaBJP/ X

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First Published: November 13, 2023 11:10 AM