The Vegetarian Crocodile

Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasargod. Babiya – The Vegetarian Crocodile. This crocodile named Babiya is found in Ananthapura temple in Kasargode ,kerala, India. There is a legend about this crocodile. He is considered to be the guardian of this lake temple. When that crocodile dies, another one automatically takes guard and appears mysteriously. It is also said that the crocodile has been living for the past 150 years as only one crocodile is seen at a time. This is a harmless, pure vegetarian crocodile and does not even kill the fish in the lake. The priests feed the crocodile after the Ucha Pooja / Noon Pooja with gruel of rice and jaggery. The crocodile comes there at that time, has the food offered and again goes back to the cave which is present close by. There is Lord Krishna temple towards south-west of main temple. The main attraction here is the crocodile present in the lake. Around 67 years back the British had killed the crocodile. However one more crocodile appeared next day.
Nobody knows the source of crocodile since there are no rivers or lakes near by. The crocodile is harmless. Everyday Specials:1) “MOSALE NAIVEDYA” (Rice to Crocodile) is prominent offering here in temple.