Kerala's Beloved Vegetarian Crocodile Passes Away
A Unique Crocodile's Legacy
Crocodiles are often regarded as some of the most dangerous creatures on the planet, primarily carnivorous in nature. However, a unique vegetarian crocodile named Babia, who exclusively consumed rice and jaggery offerings, has sadly passed away. Babia was a resident of the Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple in Kasargod, Kerala, where he had been a guardian for nearly 70 years.
Temple Community Mourns
The temple priests expressed their sorrow over Babia's demise. He was known to patrol the temple grounds while residing in the nearby Ananthapura Lake. Following his passing, a traditional Hindu funeral was conducted, and he was laid to rest close to the temple.
Babia's Unique Diet
Only Consumed Offerings
According to the temple priests, Babia only ate the rice and jaggery offerings made at the temple. He had been missing since Saturday and was found floating in the river on Sunday at 11:30 AM. After notifying the animal husbandry department and local authorities, it was confirmed that Babia had died. Many politicians and devotees came to pay their respects.
When devotees arrived for the final viewing, Babia's body was moved from the lake to an open area for everyone to pay their last respects. Central Minister Shobha Karandlaje attended the ceremony, offering condolences and stating, "The crocodile lived in the temple for 70 years. May God grant him liberation." BJP state president K. Surendra also expressed his sentiments, noting that "millions of devotees have witnessed the crocodile. Babia deserves a heartfelt tribute."
Priests Reflect on Babia's Life
Emotional Farewell from Priests
The priests shared that Babia was entirely vegetarian, never consuming fish or other aquatic creatures. He would emerge from his cave twice daily to visit the temple before returning inside. Many visitors came not only to worship but also to see Babia.
Devotees claim that Babia never harmed anyone. Legend has it that many years ago, a sage was meditating at the temple when Lord Krishna, in the form of a child, began to disturb him. The sage, angered, pushed Krishna into the pond, only to realize his mistake later when he could not find the child.
A Mysterious Disappearance
After this incident, a cave appeared nearby, believed to be where the Lord vanished. Some days later, a crocodile began to frequent the area. The priests state that this was the third crocodile in the lake, but only one was ever visible.