Ananthapura Lake Temple set amidst the enchanting scenic beauty of the nature is said to the Moolasthana of Ananthapadmanabha Swami Thiruvananthapuram. The holy shrine, located in the middle of the calm Ananthapura Lake, is at a distance of almost 4 kms from Kumbala in Kasaragod District of Kerala. It is the only lake temple of the state. According to a legend Ananthapadmanabha Swami has settled down in this region.

Structure of Ananthapura Lake Temple
The temple lake on which the shrine has been constructed is a huge structure spread over an area of almost 2 acres of land. On the right corner of the lake is a cave having an entrance gate. The temple priests suggest that Lord Anantha Padmanabha travelled to Thiruvananthapuram via this gate.

The ancient shrine of Ananthapura Lake Temple is surrounded by a chuttambalam i.e. a closed verandah encircling the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha. Its walls have been delightfully decked with murals reflecting the aesthetic sense of the artisans of the ancient period. The idol of Ananthapuram enshrined in the temple is in a standing posture.

The lake of the temple also provides shelter to a crocodile named Babiya believed to a guard of the temple. Strange enough when one dies another crocodile replaces it.

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