Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

The river Pampa, its legends & celebrations.

The Pampa river is the 3rd longest river in Kerala & originates in the Pulachimalai hill on the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats at a height of 5410 feet & finally empties into the Vembanad Lake, eventually merging into the Arabian sea. It is revered as 'Dakshina Bhagirathi' or 'Ganga of the south' & a bath in the Pampa is mandatory before proceeding further on one's journey to Sabarimala.

The river Pampa occupies a very important place in the Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama met Hanuman for the first time on the banks of the river Pampa. Rishi Matanga, the Guru of the great saint Sabari is believed to have had his ashram to the north of the Pampa. The Ramayana describes the source of the river Pampa as a place of exceeding natural beauty. Lord Ayyappa was found in the form of baby Manikantha by the Pandya king Rajasekhara on the banks of the river Pampa.

Pampa Vilakku is an important ritual observed on the day before Makar Sankranti. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa visits the banks of the Pampa at sunset and hence all houses and cottages on the river banks are decorated with lamps and candles. Small wooden floats in the shape of pyramids are decorated with lights and allowed to float in the river at dusk, providing a grand spectacle. The Pampa feast is another ritual observed here. Pilgrims prepare a grand feast with provisions collected from the members of their group. The Kanni Ayyappa Swamis or those who have undertaken their very first pilgrimage to Sabarimala, are fed first, as they are considered to be embodiments of Lord Ayyappa Himself. After the feast, the Guru Swami is honoured with Guru Dakshina.

Pilgrims proceed further on their trek after worshipping Lord Ganapati at Pampa, praying to Him to remove any obstacles they may encounter on the rest of their journey. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Rama & Lord Hanuman. The pilgrims then begin their ascent up the steep Neelimala hill, after paying their respects & a small dakshina to the representative of the royal family of Panthalam, who sits at the foot of Neelimala hill. This is considered important since the Sabarimala temple is considered as the Panthalam king's very own, Lord Ayyappa having grown up as a son of the royal family. So it is essential to seek the king's permission before proceeding further.

May Pampa Balaka - the divine child found on the banks of the river Pampa, bless one and all.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa