- Ganesh
Pampa Ganapathi Temple
- Pampa,Kerala
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Overview
Pampa Ganapathi Temple at Pampa, 60kms from Pathanamthitta town and 8 Kms from Sabarimala, has an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage as it is the main halting point. This is the first temple and holy spot on the way from Pamba to Sannidanam – the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other holy places enroute.
About The Temple
The temple is reached by climbing about 102 steps. The temple also has subsidiary shrines dedicated to Nagarajavu (Serpent deity), Goddess Parvati Devi, Adimoola Ganapati, Hanuman Swami, and Bhagvan Sri Ram. The river bank or arat kadavu in front of the Ganapathi Temple at Pampa is the spot where the utsava murti of Ayyappa from Sannidanam is taken for ceremonial purification at the end of 10-day Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple festival (March – April). On the same day after the purification ritual, the utsava murti or procession idol of Lord Ayyappa is taken to the namaskara mandapam to enable devotees to offer nirapara. The temple is open on all days unlike Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple which is open only during Madala kalam and during for monthly puja.
Legend and Stories
Sabarimala pilgrims from different route meet at Pampa and then proceed to Sannidhanam. During early days of the pilgrimage, pilgrims faced many difficulties at Pampa. On performing “Prasna chinda”, the presence of Ganapathi was found and a temple was consecrated. Based on “Jyothisha prediction, the deity of old Ganapathi was consecrated as “Adi Ganapathi” as lord of Sidhi and Budhi.
Prasad and Offerings
The main Prasadam at the temple is modakam – sweet ball – Modakam can be purchased from the counter near the Ganapathi temple at Pampa. The main offering at Pampa Ganapathi Temple is coconut. Devotees break a coconut here before climbing the mountain.
Significance
Prayers are offered here for a safe trek to Sabarimala Sannidanam.
How to Reach Pampa, Sabarimala
The nearest airports are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (170 kilometres (110 mi)) and Cochin International Airport (160 kilometres (99 mi)). Chengannur (82 kilometres), Tiruvalla (92 kilometres), Kottayam (120 kilometres) and Kollam Junction (129 kilometres) are some of the closest accessible railway stations from Sabarimala. Pampa is the nearest place to Sabarimala that can be accessed only by road. KSRTC operates special service from various depots namely TVM Central, Punalur, Kottarakkara, Chengannur, Kottayam, Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kumaly, etc.
Temple Address
Pampa Ganapathi Temple,
Pampa, Sabarimala,
Pathanamthitta District,
Kerala, India.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Auspicious beginnings of work
- Removal of obstacles
- Renewal of energy
- Success
- Wisdom
- Agricultural productivity
Shlokas
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.