About:

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.

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.

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 do:

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

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.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

kasargod Railway Station

Nearest Airport:

Mangalore in Karnataka State, about 50 km from Kasaragodand also Karipur international airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod.

Road Transport:

The district of Kasaragod is well connected with the road networks- NH17 from Mumbai-Cochi, SH Kasaragod-Kanhangad and have major roads.Thus have an access to major cities like: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangaluru, Coimbatore, Mysore, Shimoga, Koorg, Goa.

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.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump
Kanhangad
kasragod, Kerala.

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.

Things to carry:

Some pooja items, camera, food and clothes etc.

Tips & Suggestions:

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.

Society/Community Phone Number:

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

 

 

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Bekal Beach
This is Situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal Beach is only 14 km away from Kasargode,79 km from Kannur, 2km from kovalam. Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort. This beach is being developed a resort. But for now, you can still savour the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep Sea from the tall observation towers of the fort's once huge cannon emplacements. Bekal Beach is situated at the northern tip of Kerala, 79 km from Kannur; Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort.....more
Kanwatheertha Beach
Kanwatheertha Beach is situated 3 km from Manjeswar, Kasargod District, Kerala. Kanwatheertha Beach is a renowned beach in Kerala, quite well known for its scenic beauty. This Kanwatheertha Beach is a very famous tourist spot in Kerala. Aqua-Tourism is one of the most significant aspects of Kerala and Kanwatheertha Beach is a distinctive spot to substantiate on this interesting feature. Kanwatheertha Beach welcomes you all to unravel its charm and spirit. This charming lagoon is a ideal place only for tranquil lovers but also for fun loving people.....more
Kappil Beach
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Pallikere Beach
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Valiyaparamba Backwater
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Kasaragod City
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Bekal Fort
Bekal fort, the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, lies in Pallikere, and its 16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. The fort, a circular imposing structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea.Bekal fort is one among them .It is a famous tourist place in Kerala the land of yoga and Ayur Veda .Bekal fort is the largest and best preserved fort of kerala and has a grate tourist attraction.The fort is situated north of kerala at around 10km north of kanghangad town and has great historical and archeological interest. Bekal Fort, which is about 350 years old, is the largest fort in Kerala. It is proposed to be developed into a tourist complex.....more
Chandragiri Fort
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Hosdurg Fort
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Valiyaparamba Island
Valiyaparamba is a small island in the Arabian Sea in the Kasaragod district of Kerala state, south India. It is one of the main tourist spots of the district and also a fishing centreValiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands,Valiyaparamba, about 30 km from Bekal, Kasaragod, North Kerala.Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.Valiyaparamba is a beautiful backwater destination. A tour to Valiyaparamba will provide you a holiday in one of the most serene and tranquil destinations of Kerala. Located near Kasargod, Valiyaparamba is a small island favored by the tourists who search for some seclusion in the lap of nature.....more
Malik Dinar Mosque
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Chandragiri River
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Neeleshwaram River
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Uppala River
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