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. However, a unique vegetarian crocodile named Babia, who exclusively consumed rice and jaggery offerings, has sadly passed away. This remarkable creature was known for its role in protecting the cave at the Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple in Kasaragod, Kerala, where it had lived for nearly 70 years.

Temple Community Mourns

The temple priests expressed their sorrow over Babia's demise. This crocodile was known to guard the temple premises while residing in the nearby Ananthapura Lake. Following its passing, the priests conducted a final journey in accordance with Hindu customs and buried Babia close to the temple.

A Diet of Offerings

Only Consumed Offerings
Mentioned by the temple priests, Babia exclusively ate the rice and jaggery offered at the temple. It 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 passed away. Many politicians and devotees gathered to pay their respects to the beloved crocodile.

When devotees arrived for a final viewing, Babia's body was moved from the lake to an open area within the temple grounds, allowing 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 it liberation.' BJP state president K. Surendra also expressed his sentiments, noting that 'millions of devotees have witnessed the crocodile.'

Priests Reflect on Babia's Life

Emotional Farewell from the Priests
The priests shared that Babia was entirely herbivorous, never preying on fish or other aquatic life. It would emerge from its cave twice daily to visit the temple before returning. 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. In a moment of anger, the sage pushed Krishna into the pond, only to realize his mistake when he could not find the child afterward.

The Legend of the Cave

After this incident, a cave appeared nearby, believed to be where the deity vanished. Shortly after, 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.'