The Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, also known as the Ananthapura Lake Temple, is an exceptional example of Vaishnavite tradition and Kerala’s architectural heritage. Situated in the village of Ananthapura, approximately 6 km from Kumbla in Manjeshwaram Taluk, Kasaragod District, this 9th-century temple holds profound cultural, religious, and historical significance. This article explores the temple’s structural uniqueness, legends, and iconography, positioning it within the broader context of Kerala’s sacred geography.
Introduction
Ananthapura Lake Temple is singular in its designation as the only Hindu Lake temple in Kerala. The temple, surrounded by a 2-acre freshwater lake, is traditionally considered the ‘Moolasthanam” or the original seat of Sree Ananthapadmanabha Swami, who is worshipped in the more famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. It is also listed among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavism, underscoring its religious prominence.
Legends and Mythological Context
The lore surrounding the Ananthapura Lake Temple is rich with mystical narratives. The most significant involves the sage Vilwamangalam Swami, a revered Brahmin devotee known for his penance and piety. According to legend, Lord Narayana appeared before the sage in the form of a radiant child who claimed to be without parents or a home. The sage, moved by compassion, allowed the boy to stay on the condition that he would depart if ever humiliated. Over time, the boy’s playful antics led the sage to an outburst of anger, prompting the child to disappear after revealing his divine identity. He instructed Vilwamangalam to seek him in Ananthankat, the forest of the serpent god Anantha. The sage eventually traced his journey southward to Thiruvananthapuram, where he witnessed the divine form of Lord Vishnu reclining on a thousand-hooded serpent.
Architectural Overview
The temple’s structure is an exceptional representation of the synthesis between nature and built space. Erected in the center of a 302-foot lake, the temple boasts a Srikovil (sanctum sanctorum) connected to the eastern rock by a narrow footbridge. This passage serves as the sole entry to the sanctum. The Namaskara-mandapam, Thitappalli (kitchen), and a cave believed to lead to Thiruvananthapuram are also integrated into the lake’s landscape. The lake itself is fed by a perennial source of spring water, symbolizing purity and life.
One notable feature of the Ananthapura Lake Temple is its ancient idols. Originally, the central idol of Lord Vishnu was crafted from “kadu-sharkara-yogam”, a composite of over 70 medicinal materials, representing a unique iconographic practice.
In 1972, these were replaced with “panchaloha” (a five-metal alloy) figures, donated by Kanchi Kamakoti Math’s head, Jayendra Saraswathi Thiruvatikal. Current efforts aim to reinstall the traditional “kadu-sharkara-yogam” idols, preserving historical authenticity.
Iconography and Artistry
The temple is renowned for its intricate wood carvings on the ceilings of the mandapam, which depict scenes from the Dashavatara, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. These carvings are complemented by paintings and include representations of the Navagraha (nine planets) on the “Muktha-mandapam”. The Dwarapalaka (gatekeepers), Jay and Vijaya, are strikingly rendered in wood, flanking the Srikovil with their solemn expressions and finely detailed features.
Cultural and Religious Significance
As a site open to visitors of all castes and creeds, the Ananthapura Lake Temple exemplifies the inclusive nature of Hindu worship in Kerala. The temple’s distinctiveness is further highlighted by its connection to the spiritual heritage of the region, tracing mythological ties to the more prominent Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. According to tradition, a cave at the northern corner of the lake once served as a pathway for Lord Ananthapadmanabha’s divine journey south.
Preservation Efforts
Acknowledging the temple’s historical and religious importance, the District Tourism Promotion Council has initiated preservation programs aimed at maintaining the temple’s uniqueness. These efforts include safeguarding the surrounding areas and sustaining the temple’s structural and artistic elements for future generations.
Conclusion
The Ananthapura Lake Temple stands as an enduring symbol of Kerala’s devotion to Lord Vishnu and the region’s commitment to preserving its sacred past. Combining religious lore, unique structural design, and a profound spiritual legacy, the temple continues to captivate scholars, devotees, and tourists alike. Through ongoing preservation and respect for tradition, the Ananthapura Lake Temple remains a vital link to Kerala’s cultural and religious identity.
The Write, Alan C Dominic, is an archaeology post graduate from University of Kerala, currently pursuing a post graduate diploma in Museology and Conservation at University of Jammu. He was also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer Camp 2023, organised at Ramappa Temple in Warangal.
Dr Janki Thaker