Kerala, famed for its lush greenery and captivating backwaters, is also home to many ancient Hindu temples. Among these hidden gems lies the Ananthapura Lake Temple, a picturesque sanctuary dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This one-of-a-kind temple, perched amidst a tranquil lake, beckons pilgrims and people interested in learning more about the historical significance of a temple. Experiencing a footfall of thousands, it is one of the region’s most famous and ancient temples. Let’s unveil the captivating story of Ananthapura Lake Temple. Delve into its historical and mythological significance, explore the best time to visit, provide essential information for a smooth experience, and highlight must-see aspects.
History and Mythology of the Ananthapura Lake Temple
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Shrouded in the mystical aura of Kerala, the Ananthapura Lake Temple boasts a history as intriguing as its location. Believed to be built around the 9th century, the temple holds immense significance for Vaishnavites (devotees of Lord Vishnu).
Legend narrates that this serene lake was the original abode of Lord Ananthapadmanabha, the presiding deity of the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. As per local lore, the deity eventually shifted his residence to the southern capital through an underground passage, leaving behind this sacred site.
The temple complex showcases remnants of ancient structures surrounding the lake, hinting at a once-grand temple complex. Today, the central sanctum sanctorum, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture on the serpent Anantha, is a testament to the temple’s enduring legacy.
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Best Time to Visit the Temple
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One of the most unique traits of Kerala lies in its seasons. The tropical weather ensures a distinct seasonal experience throughout the year. So, prioritising the season and crowd is crucial the next time you plan a visit to the Ananthapura Lake Temple Kasaragod. The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Vishu (Malayalam New Year) in April and the ten-day-long Vaikunta Ekadasi in December are particularly vibrant occasions to witness the temple’s festive spirit.
So, if you want to witness the decorations and grandeur of the temple during peak festival seasons, this is the best period. When it comes to weather conditions, the period from November to February is ideal. It offers comfortable weather ranging from 23°C to 30°C. So, not only can you wait in broad daylight under the sun to offer your prayers, but sightseeing around the area becomes a lot more comfortable, too.
The majority of devotees also prefer visiting the Ananthapura Lake temple in Kerala during the summer season, when the crowds are less. Accommodation and transit expenses are also quite affordable during that period.
How to Reach Ananthapura Lake Temple?
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Ananthapura Lake Temple is situated in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, easily accessible via road and rail networks.
By Air: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport to the temple, located around 54 km away. There are taxis and prepaid cabs available to take you to the temple.
By Road: Kasaragod is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and nearby states. If opting for self-drive, ensure you have a valid map or GPS navigation to locate the temple.
By Train: Kasaragod Railway Station (KSRG) is 14 km away from the temple, making for the perfect stop. You can find taxis and autos from the station to the temple.
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Essential Information for Visitors
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Besides knowing about the history of the Ananthapura Lake temple, one must know the temple’s timings, dress code, and other salient information. This ensures a smooth travel and pilgrimage experience without any roadblocks.
1. Ananthapura Lake Temple timings
The Ananthapura Lake temple timings are from 05:30 AM to 01:00 PM shift and then from 05:30 PM to 08:00 PM. If you are visiting during the evening phase, ensure that you come early and get in the queue since the time for darshan is quite short in the evening. Also, peak seasons encounter a lot of crowds, so prioritise your safety and physical health.
2. Dress code
The dress code at the Ananthapura lake temple Kerala is traditional Indian attire. You can wear sarees and salwar kameez for women or dhotis and kurta for men. Anything that covers your shoulders and below the knees is suitable. Full-length clothing is considered ideal for visiting the temple.
3. Etiquette and rules
There aren’t many strict rules and regulations inside the temple besides maintaining silence and respecting the presiding deity. Photography inside the sanctum sanctorum is typically prohibited. Devotees are expected to remove footwear before entering the main area. Since there are restrictions on what you can enter the temple with, it’s better to carry as few belongings as possible. You can keep your belongings in locker rooms outside the temple.
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Things to do in Ananthapura Lake Temple
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Visiting the Ananthapura Lake Temple Kasaragod involves making the most out of the temple. Upon stepping into the hallowed precincts of Ananthapura Lake Temple, visitors are greeted by tranquillity and reverence. Traditional rituals and prayers are happening inside the temple, which you can witness.
- Offer prayers and participate in the temple rituals to experience the spiritual essence of the place. Also, marvel at the intricate carvings and murals that are splayed across the temple walls, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- A resident crocodile, “Babia” adds a unique charm to the temple. However, maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the creature. Do not forget to witness the reptile when you visit the temple.
- Once you finish offering your prayers, take the time to make your way to the lakeside and soak in the tranquillity and calmness of the place.
Highlights of the Temple
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Kerala’s Ananthapura Lake Temple is renowned for its architectural elegance and spiritual significance. However, as you explore its history, you will see that several details contribute to the temple’s highlights.
- The Ananthapura Lake temple is quite a bit away from the nearby city, making it an offbeat location. You can spend your entire day in the temple’s serene setting in the middle of a lake, which makes it a captivating experience.
- Considered the original abode of Lord Ananthapadmanabha, the temple holds immense importance for Vaishnavites. This explains why the temple is usually crowded throughout the year.
- The temple boasts beautiful wooden carvings and vibrant paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- The tranquil surroundings of the lake and the temple’s serene aura provide a space for spiritual rejuvenation. You can sit around and relax without any external disturbance.
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Places to Visit Around Ananthapura Lake Temple
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Beyond its sacred confines, Ananthapura Lake Temple offers visitors a glimpse into its surroundings’ natural and cultural treasures. Following are a few nearby attractions:
1. Kumbla Beach
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The beach is 10 km from the temple, making it a perfect spot to explore following seeking blessings from the deity at the Ananthapura Lake Temple. The golden sand paired with the azure beach looks stunning and offers a perfect escape for tourists.
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2. Kasaragod Fort
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The Ananthapura Lake temple distance from Kasaragod Fort is around 14 km, so you can take your car or local transportation to reach the fort. With historical significance and intricate architecture on each wall, many stories are trapped in this fort’s walls.
3. Ananthapura Lake
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If you want to make a day out of your darshan, spend some time by the banks of the Ananthapura lake, which is where the temple is. You don’t have to go out of your way and the beauty of the place is truly magnificent. It’s one of a kind and offers an eclectic experience for the tourists.
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The Ananthapura Lake Temple enveloped in serenity and steeped in history, offers a unique pilgrimage experience. Whether you seek spiritual solace, appreciate historical significance, or simply admire architectural beauty, this captivating temple has something to offer every visitor. As you embark on your trip to Kerala, don’t fail to include this temple in your itinerary.
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Cover Image Source: Ms Sarah Welch for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions about Ananthapura Lake Temple
What is behind the 7th door of Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
There are rumours that the seventh door of the temple is cursed, and most people aren’t allowed to open or be near it.
Are there hotels near Ananthapura Lake Temple?
There aren’t any good hotels near the temple, so you’d need to book them at Kasaragod or other nearby cities.
Are there any specific festivals celebrated in Ananthapura Lake Temple?
Apart from major Hindu festivals like Vishu and Navratri, the temple celebrates Vaikunta Ekadasi with great fervour. During this ten-day festival, the temple is adorned with vibrant decorations, and special pujas (prayers) are conducted.
Is photography banned in the Ananthapura Lake Temple?
There are restrictions on photography at certain parts of the temple. Ensure to follow them and avoid breaking the rules.
How far is the Ananthapura Lake Temple from Kasaragod?
The temple is roughly 13 km away from the main town of Kasaragod, and multiple transit mediums are available for easy transportation.
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