Stephen Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (MS)

Kasargod, Oct 10: Babiya, crocodile of renowned Anantapura Sri Anantapadmanabhaswamy temple, which is familiar as Sarovara Kshetra, breathed its last.

The temple is situated in the middle of the pond and Babiya, which used to live in the pond, was known as a divine crocodile. It was customary to offer Naivedya to Babiya after pooja every day in the temple. Babiya came out of water a few years ago and was spotted near the temple.

Devotees believed that Babiya used to guard Lord Anantapadmanabha. It used to live in the pond throughout the year. The food that is offered to the Lord is its daily meal. It used to crawl on the same path on which the devotees used to walk from one pond to another pond.

The temple got international popularity because of Babiya, which never harmed anyone. A crocodile was there in the temple pond even before India got independence. However, the British, who set up their military camp in the area shot and killed it. Later, a baby crocodile appeared in the pond and the temple priests named it Babiya.

A mild and non-harming Babiya was the darling of the devotees. It was suffering from age-related illness of late. It was being treated also. However, on Sunday night it was found floating on the water.

The dead Babiya is kept in front of the temple for devotees to have a last glimpse. Later on, it will be buried after holding final rites.