Babiya, the “vegetarian” crocodile, which appeared before the devotees and blessed them by taking their offerings at Ananthapura lake temple in Majeshwaram taluk of Kasaragod district, is no more. The crocodile which attracted several devotees and visitors was found dead in the temple lake on Sunday night.
Babiya was believed to be a 75-year-old crocodile. Over the years she was a sight of curiosity for several devotees who thronged the temple to offer food. The devotees made offerings for the sake of their wishes. The temple offered the food to her after the morning and afternoon pujas.
It is believed that in 1945, a British soldier shot a crocodile in the temple and within days, Babiya appeared in the temple pond.
