Monument demanded for temple crocodile

Mangaluru: Devotees of Ananthapura Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, located near Kumble in Kasaragod, have been demanding that a monument be constructed for Babiya, the crocodile that lived in the temple lake for nearly 80 years.
The crocodile, which was considered the reincarnation of the deity, and the protector of the temple, died due to illness on October 9. Hundreds had visited the temple, to have a last glimpse of the revered crocodile, which was buried near the temple, after rituals were held under the guidance of the temple’s chief priest, Brahmashri Delampady Ganesha Thanthri, on October 10.
Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple Board of trustees member Prasad Kumar said that devotees who considered Babiya as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, want a monument built for the crocodile on the temple premises. “Devotees saw Babiya not just as a reptile, but as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Many people have suggested that a memorial be built for the crocodile, on the temple premises. The board has not yet taken a decision in this regard. However, it is likely to be considered soon,” Kumar said.
Devotees believe that a crocodile that existed in the temple lake was shot dead by a British officer, before Independence. The officer was said to have died after being bitten by a snake, soon after the incident. Later, devotees found another crocodile in the lake, and they named the reptile Babiya. After the puja rituals, the temple archaks used to serve naivedya to the crocodile. Apart from devotees, many political and religious leaders, and government officials paid their last respect to the crocodile at the temple, located about 46km from here.