Ananathpura Temple

About Ananathpura Temple

The Ananthapura temple is situated in the central part of a lake of the 31-km from Bekal at Ananthapura,Kasargod District, Kerala. The Ananthapura temple is just five kilometers away from Kumbla. The Ananthapura temple is very familiar, as it is the only lake temple that has the Moolasthana of the Anantha Padmanabha Swami. The other major attraction of the Ananthapura temple is they can be visited by any group of visitors irrespective to caste, creed and religion. The house of worship is surrounded by a porch along the outside of a building called Chuttambalam. The temple has a small pond where water will stays with respect to seasonal changes.The presiding of the temple is Lord Vishnu seated on the serpent god, Adishesha. The temple is open to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, and colour.Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.

The shrine is encircled by a ‘Chuttambalam’ (an enclosed verandah running around the building), its walls are adorned by murals and there is a cave within that opens out to a small pond where the water level remains steady regardless of climatic changes.Here the idol is in sitting posture, whereas in Thiruvananthapuram it is in Ananthasayanam posture (laid down on multi-headed snake).There is bond between these two temples. During the childhood of Vishnu he used to play in the precincts of the temple which was resented by a meditating sage. The humiliation-felt child Vishnu created a tunnel from there to Thiruvananthapuram Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple – from one end of the Kerala to the another end – and moved to the precincts of Thiruvananthapuram temple for play. The sage spent his life searching for the child god.

The 9th century old Ananthapura shrine is set in a small lake. It is believed this temple is the Moolastanam (original abode) of Vishnu. There is a foot-bridge across the lake to reach the temple. The ceiling of the Namaskara Mandapam (praying stage) is wood carved.There is an interesting story behind the lake. There was a crocodile called Babya in the lake. A soldier, one amongst many stationed near the temple, shot dead it. The soldier died shortly thereafter following snake bite, presumably a vengeance act by serpent Anantha. Another crocodile appeared in the lake from nowhere. It too adopted the name of Babya.

There is a crocodile pond here nearby. Every day at midday pooja time the crocodile surfaces from the pond to have its feed, which are cooked rice and other vegetable and fruits offered by the priests. This temple is ancient and the statue is made of soil mixed with herbal extractions. This temple is pride of Kumble and sure it is going to be in the tourist map of wrest while Dakshina Kannada district.Perched on a rocky hill, one can have a panoramic view of the luscious surrounding. It is believed that a lone crocodile inhabits the lake. So be a little more careful while traveling to the lake temple. It is a venue of Thapotsavam, an annual one-day festival. This festival is held in the month of April.

History

The legend says that - In 1942, the crocodile was shot dead by a British soldier. And the very next day appeared another crocodile which is present now. It’s said that the same crocodile is living in the temple pond since then. It was truly a ‘Believe it or not’ moment for us. And also Ananthapadmanabha is settled over here.

Interesting things to Visit

Bekal Fort:

Located 16 km south of Kasargod is Bekal Fort, the largest and best preserved fort in the entire Kerala. This enormous and circular structure is built with large block of laterite and its outer wall rises majestically from the sea to a height of 39 m. The fort is believed to have been built by a local Chieftain, Shivappa Nayak in the mid 16th century. The fort was occupied later on by the British after the defeat of Tipu Sultan.

Chandragiri Fort:

The Chandragiri Fort, on the banks of the Chandragiri River, is just 10 kms from Bekal. This 17th century fort is also a contribution of the Chieftain, Shivappa Nayak who had built it to defend the kingdom against the Vijayanagar rulers.It is an excellent sun set point.

Bekal hole Aqua park:

The direction north to the Bekal Fort is the Aqua Park. The Bekal Hole Aqua Park is just one kilometer away from the Bekal Fort. The Aqua Park is well known for its kind in north Malabar. The Aqua Park is unique and enjoyable as visitors can enjoy driving the water rides such as pedal boats and water cycles. Along with pedal boats, visitors can also enjoy their ride with several different light weighted canoes.

Nearest Visiting places

Hosdurg / Kanhangad Fort:

Kanhangad is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty, and the most attractive is Hosdurg Fort. Several public offices are located inside the fort. The famous temple Karpooreshwara temple is attached to this fort. The fort is located 15 km away from Bekal at Kanhangad and is easily accessible.

Kanwatheertha Beach:

The Kanwatheertha Beach is famous for a large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach and has people coming every now and then to enjoy a swim in the calm waters

Nityanandasramam:

There are two notable asramams in Kanhangad, the Nityanandasramam and Anandasramam. Nityanandasramam is situated on a hillock about half a km south of the Housdurg taluk office. It was founded by swami Nityananda. Here swami Nityananda constructed 45 caves in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963 after the style and design of the famous Somantha temple in Gurjarat. Anandasramam was founded by swamin Ramdas in 1939.

Verramala (Picnic Spot):

Verramala hills have the ruin of a Dutch fort, built in the 18th century, which has beautiful scenery around it. This makes the place into a lovely picnic spot.

Kottancherry (Trekking Spot):

30 kms north of Konnakkad and 30 kms north east of Kanhangad, is Kottancherry, which is a forest area and is ideal for trekking.

Malik Dinar Mosque:

An ardent disciple of Prophet Mohammed, Malik Ibn Dinar who is said to be a slave’s son was the first to propagate Islam in Kerala, it is believed. The mosque was founded by him. He was buried within. The Urs, commemorating the arrival of Ibn Dinar in Kasargod.

Adoor:

Situated 45 kms from Kasargod town this town is famous for its ancient Siva temple fabled to have been found by Arjuna, the mythical Pandava archer. Legend has it that it is in this place that Kiratha Yudham , the battle between Lord Siva and Arjuna took place.

Ranipuram:

The former Madathumala has taken this new name, Ranipuram recently. Lying 780 meters above the sea level, it is 80 kms away from Kasargod which is 48 kms east of Kanhangad. The natural beauty of this place is comparable only to Ooty.

Madhur:

Madhur’s, located 8 km northeast of Kasargod town, fame is derived from Sreemad Anatheswara Vinayaka temple here. Three tiered dome, cloistered court and copper sheeted roof make this shrine different from oher shrines. The idols of Shiva and Vinayaka are installed in mukhamandapam and sukasanas. The ceiling of namaskara mandapam (praying hall) is beautifully carved of episodes from Ramayana.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Apsara Regency
Opp. KSRTC Bus Stand
Kasaragod, Kerala
Tel: 04994 - 230124

Shalimar Hotel
Kasaragod,Kerala
Tel: 09995244467.

Elite Hotel
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Hotel Ganesh Bhavan
Nr. Kotacherry Circle, Kanhangad
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Hotel Bekal International
Kanhangad, Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala.

Police station Kanhangad
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

SIMS ( SACCHIDANADA iNSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES)
ANADASHRAM ROAD,
MAVUNGAL,KANHANGAD, Kerala 671531

Care & Cure Hospital
Kanhangad
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Malik Deenar Charitable Hospital
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kanhangad Kasaragod, Kerala.

Link:

http://godsowncountrykerala1.blogspot.com/2009/04/ananthapura-lake-temple\_24.html
http://famoustemplesinkerala.blogspot.com/2008/08/ananthapuram-lake-temple.html
http://mytrekkingexperience.blogspot.com/2009/02/ananthapura-lake-temple-kasargod.html
http://kerala--tourism.blogspot.com/2007/11/ananthapura-lake-temple.html
http://kerala--tourism.blogspot.com/2007/11/ananthapura-lake-temple.html

Location info

• **Address:**Ananthapura, kasargod district, kerala, India

• District: kasargod district

• **Nearest City:**Kanhangad, kudlu, mangalore,Thiruvallam

• **Best time to visit:**April

Climate & weather

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The average maximum temperature is 31.2°C and minimum is 23.6°C.

Things to do at Ananathpura Temple

you can see the vegetarian crocodile in the river, take the photos of the temple.

Nearest petrol pump

• Petrol Pump
  Kanhangad
  kasragod, Kerala.

Things to carry

Some pooja items, camera, food and clothes etc.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.