Kasargod : Crocodile Babiya who was popularly known as Devara Mosale of the Ananthapura Shree Ananthapadmanabha Swami Temple near Kumble, has breathed its last.

Babiya who resided in the lake of the temple since several years was offered the Naivedyam of the Lord after pooja every day.

Babiya had sprang a surprise some time back by coming out of the lake and appearing near the Temple.

There is a belief that Babiya guarded Lord Ananthapadmanabha who resided in the lake, Babiya used to often move from its lake to another large lake of the temple.

It is being said that the temple lake had a crocodile during the pre-independence times and that the British had shot it dead. Later a baby crocodile had appeared in the lake, it is believed.

Since some days Babiya was suffering from age related illness and was under treatment. However, on Sunday night it was found floating in the lake. It was later brought outside where it has been placed for public to pay their last respects. The final rites are expected to take place during the day.