The Unique Vegetarian Crocodile of Kerala's Padmanabhaswamy Temple

In the heart of Kerala lies the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, home to an extraordinary vegetarian crocodile named Babiya. This remarkable creature, believed to have mystical qualities, resides in a sacred pond and is fed offerings by temple priests. Local legends suggest that Babiya has been a guardian of the temple for decades, with stories of its mysterious reappearance after death. The temple itself, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, boasts a rich history and attracts thousands of devotees. Discover the fascinating beliefs surrounding this unique crocodile and the temple's grandeur in this captivating article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 13:25 IST

A Surprising Discovery

There are many astonishing truths about life that might surprise you. In India, numerous beliefs exist that are known only to the locals.

The Vegetarian Crocodile

Today, we will share an incredible belief that may be hard to accept. Typically, animals are carnivorous, and even a large and dangerous creature like a crocodile primarily consumes meat. However, there exists a unique crocodile on Earth that is vegetarian, feeding solely on offerings.

Babiya: The Guardian of the Temple

This vegetarian crocodile, known as Babiya, resides in a pond located within the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, features a lake at its center. Babiya is said to guard the temple.

Mystical Beliefs Surrounding Babiya

There is a belief associated with Babiya that when a crocodile dies in this lake, another mysteriously appears. After offerings are made at the temple, they are fed to Babiya, but only the priests are permitted to do so. Remarkably, Babiya does not harm other creatures in the lake.

The Mystery of Babiya

Babiya has been living in the Ananthapur temple's lake for approximately 60 years. Locals claim that in 1945, the British shot and killed this crocodile, but it reappeared the very next day. Whether it is the same crocodile or a different one remains uncertain, but it is indeed a remarkable vegetarian crocodile.

The Rich Heritage of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the wealthiest temples in India, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides here in a self-manifested form. Thousands of devotees visit to see the massive idol of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture. Legends suggest that even Indra and Chandra worshipped Lord Padmanabhaswamy here. The temple houses 12,008 Shaligrams, and the sacred sounds of bells, conch shells, and mantras resonate throughout, captivating the devotees. It is also recognized as the 108th pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.

Historical Significance

Some historians believe that this temple is over 5,000 years old. An ancient text written on palm leaves, the Ananthasayana Mahatmya, describes that the temple was established on the 950th day of the Kali Yuga by the Tulu Brahmin Divakar Muni. The temple has undergone several renovations, the last of which was completed in 1733 by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore. The golden pillars and intricately carved corridors enhance the temple's grandeur.