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At the Sree Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, Babiya, the crocodile was a popular attraction for devotees.
The crocodile Babiya ate only the rice and jaggery offerings at the temple. (Representative Image)
We often encounter situations that defy logic, particularly when it comes to miracles or other occurrences that science cannot explain. In Kasaragod, Kerala, in the Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple, a lone crocodile lived in the lake for decades. As carnivores by nature, crocodiles are known to pose a threat to people if aroused.
But Babiya, as it was affectionately known, was not only a vegetarian but also as silent and serene as an animal, never scaring or disturbing any temple devotee. It never touched any of the fish in the pond and only consumed the twice-daily prasad offerings of rice and jaggery. Eventually, in October 2022, Babiya passed away from old age.
According to folklore, a British soldier shot a crocodile in the temple pond in 1945, and a few days later, Babiya emerged, earning it the status of a heavenly heir.
Since Babiya was a celestial being and a guardian of the temple, it was a big attraction for devotees. Babiya had free access to the entire temple and often lived in the lake that surrounded it or lounged on the steps going up to the temple. Babiya would move to Vana Shastara, a laterite cattle pond inside the temple grounds, some 60 meters away, during the hot season.
Over time, Babiya’s health declined, leading to his transfer to veterinary experts at Mangaluru’s Pilikula Biological Park. At 75, the beloved crocodile passed away. He was laid to rest with full temple honours, with many dignitaries, including politicians, attending the funeral. To allow devotees to pay their final respects, Babiya’s body was placed in a mobile freezer.
In 2023, a year after his passing, an unexpected yet familiar sight appeared — a new crocodile emerged in the lake.
“When one crocodile dies, another one inevitably appears in the lake, and this continues to be an unexplained phenomenon,” reads a statement on the Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple’s website. Interestingly, the new crocodile was also given the name Babiya, and some devotees even spotted it resting in a cave near the lake.
Crocodiles hold spiritual significance in Hinduism, where they are seen as sacred beings. Reptiles, in particular, are often viewed as guardians of doorways and protectors in Hindu mythology — a belief that further deepens the mystery and reverence surrounding Babiya’s legacy.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
