13 months after Babiya's death, second crocodile spotted at Ananthapura Lake Temple

Kasaragod: Little over a year after the demise of the revered crocodile ‘Babiya’, another one has been sighted in the lake at Sree Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple here. Devotees expressed surprise at this unexpected occurrence.

Babiya, a revered presence at the temple for 75 years, passed away on October 9, 2022. The cremation of Babiya was conducted with the customary temple rituals. Now, after 13 months, a robust crocodile has made its presence known.

Devotees believed Babiya guarded Lord Anantapadmanabha by residing in the temple pond year-round. Its daily sustenance came from the offerings made to the deity.

Babiya resided in a shed within the temple pond. Upon the ringing of the bell after puja, the sizable reptile would elegantly make its way to receive the temple prasadam.

Babiya also dutifully stood sentinel in front of the shrine during the night. When the chief priest departed the temple premises at night, Babiya would enter and safeguard the shrine. At the break of dawn, upon hearing the opening of the temple gates, Babiya would peacefully return to the pond.