Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, Ananthapura

Ananthapura, Kerala

Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple in Ananthapura is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Kerala, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.

Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple History and Significance

Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, also known as Ananthapura Lake Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the village of Ananthapura, about 6 km from Kumbla in Kasaragod District, Kerala. It is the only Hindu lake temple in Kerala and is believed to be the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha Swami of Thiruvananthapuram.

Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple Pooja Timing
Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple Interesting Facts
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Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Nirmalya Darshanam	3:30 AM - 4:45 AM
Usha Pooja	7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Deeparadhana	6:45 PM - 7:20 PM
Athazha Pooja	7:30 PM - 8:15 PM

Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple Location Details

How to Reach Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple

By Road:

Thiruvananthapuram is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Kochuveli Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Thiruvananthapuram.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thiruvananthapuram via connecting cities.

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Best time to visit (season/months):

October to March. Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters: The temple may be closed during heavy snowfall.

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Legends Beliefs

Legend has it that Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam, a great Brahmin sage, performed penance here. One day, Lord Narayana appeared before him as a child. The boy's face glowed with radiance, overwhelming the sage. The boy stayed with the sage under the condition that he would leave if humiliated.Eventually, the sage's reaction to the boy's pranks led to the boy's disappearance. Realising the boy was Lord Narayana, the sage repented and followed a cave to find him. He reached a woody area near the sea where the boy disappeared into a tree, which then transformed into Lord Vishnu lying on a serpent.
Deities and Sub Deities

The principal deity is Lord Vishnu, depicted in a sitting pose over a five-hooded serpent king, Lord Anantha. The original idols were made of a rare combination of over 70 medicinal materials called 'kadu-sharkara-yogam'. These were replaced by panchaloha metals in 1972, donated by Jayendra Saraswathi Thiruvatikal. Efforts are ongoing to reinstall the original type of idols.
Offerings

The temple is known for its unique offering practices. A famous crocodile named Babiya lived in the lake and was known for being vegetarian. It ate only temple offerings served twice a week and never harmed humans. Babiya died at the age of 75 on October 9, 2022.
Architecture

The temple is built in the middle of a 2-acre lake with a perennial supply of pure spring water. The structure includes the sanctum sanctorum, Namaskara-mandapam, Thitappalli, and shrines of Jala-Durga. The Namaskara-mandapam is connected to the eastern rock by a foot-bridge, the only passage to the Sreekovil.The temple features wood carvings on the ceilings of the Mandapam, depicting stories from Dashavatara. The Nava-grahas are painted at the Muktha-mandapam, and the dwaara-palakas are beautifully carved in wood.
Festivals

The temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with great fervour. These include Vishu, Onam, and other traditional Vaishnavite festivals. The temple is open to all visitors regardless of caste or creed, making it a significant cultural and religious site.
Religious Practices

The temple follows traditional Vaishnavite practices. Daily rituals and poojas are performed by the priests. Devotees offer prayers and participate in various ceremonies. The temple's unique location and history make it a revered site for worship and pilgrimage.

FAQ's

Where is the Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple located?

The Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Ananthapura, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Kasaragod district.

Which God is Lord Mahavishnu?

Lord Mahavishnu is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple?

October to March. Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters: The temple may be closed during heavy snowfall.

How to reach Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Kochuveli Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thiruvananthapuram via connecting cities.