Kasaragod: Pictures of a crocodile seen at the entrance to Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kerala, which is believed to be a rare occurrence, has been shared thousands of times on social media platforms.
Babiya - as she is called - resides in the pond of the temple in Kumbala in Kasargod district.
The picture of the crocodile, which is believed to be 75 years old, was posted on Facebook by the head priest of the temple.
The ‘vegetarian’ crocodile has always sparked the curiosity of the people and has intrigued many. Visitors at the temple were told the crocodile comes to the entrance of its cave only when the priest calls it for ‘rice nivedyam’ or offering.
It has been said that Babiya comes to the temple's Sanctum Sanctorum after the temple closes at night. This was not taken seriously by worshippers at the temple until the picture of Babiya emerged.
The crocodile's appearance is considered divine and the head priest chanted prayers upon seeing it before it returned to the lake by itself.
There's a popular belief that during colonial times the British had shot and killed a crocodile in the lake.
Devotees believe the appearance of Babiya and a chance to see it brings good luck and blessings.
The temple also holds special offerings for the crocodile - known as Muthala Nivedhyam.
