All these seasonal events are repeated every year. In order to understand these ceremonies and how they progress, I have described the events as on Timeline 1999-2000. The individuals involved in these events change but their place is taken by corresponding individuals holding the same portfolio and performing the same duty/duties. If there are any major changes in the modalities of conducting these ceremonies, or if some new ceremonies are incorporated , such news would be reflected on these pages on `as needed' basis.
This was the place where an infant, who later turned out to be Ayyappa was found abandoned by the riverside. The King of Pandalam picked him up and brought him up. Ram And Lakshman are also stated to have visited Pampa and met the sage Sabari. Many important landmarks in and around Pampa are mentioned in `Ramayana'. It is said that the footprint of Rama can be seen imprinted on a rock at `Rama Padam' located near the KSRTC bus stand at Pampa.
In the old days, for the pilgrims coming via Erumeli - Karimala route, Pampa was the last big stop. They built `Viri' made of forest leaves, twigs and bamboo and spent a few days resting in religious fervour . The trek from Pampa to Sabarimala was undertaken after Pampa Vilakku. Now the pace of pilgrimage has stepped up so much that long duration stays at Pampa is neither advisable nor feasible because of factors like shortage of accommodation, large inflow of pilgrims and high prices of essential items.
Legend has it that, it is at this stretch of the Pampa river that Lord Srirama offered 'Pithru Tharpanam' to King Dasaratha (his father) during his Vanaprastha. It is to commemorate this ritual that pilgrims offer Pithru Tharpanam in Pampa before climbing the hill. It is also said that Ayyappa performed Pithru Bali in memory of the many warriors that he had lost.
At Pampa, a large number of pilgrims carry out the ritual of 'Pithru Bali'. 'Pithru' means ancestors and 'Bali' means offering. The rituals are meant to bring peace and eternal rest to ones ancestors. This ceremony is conducted under the guidance of a priest and consists of poojas, offerings of various kinds, recitation of mantras and repeated dips in Pampa. The ceremony is conducted on the banks of River Pampa.
The Golden Anki (Golden Attire of Lord Ayyappa) consists of gold component weighing 450 Sovereigns of gold. It was offered to the Lord by Sri Chithira Thirunal, erstwhile Maharajah of Travancore State, in 1973.
1999-2000 pilgrimage season news report on this event goes as follows:-
The Thanka Anki procession started from Aranmula on 25th December 1999 (Saturday). On 26th December 1999 (Sunday) afternoon the 'Thanki Anki' reached Pampa. It was received by Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham authorities and was taken to the Ganapathi temple. At around 1500 hrs, Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham Volunteers Mankompu Ravi, TT Madhu, Achuthan and others, accompanied by Devaswom volunteers and security officials, ceremoniously carried this Anki on their head and headed towards Saramkuthi via Neelimala and Appachimedu. They arrived at Saramkuthi by 1700 hrs.
Reception of the 'Thanka Anki' and further ceremonies at Sannidhanam have been covered on the next page 'Traditional Festivities at Sannidhanam during the Pilgrimage Season'
Commences on 7th Jan at 1400 hrs and will come to a close on 9th Jan in the evening. `Pampa Sangamam' is a conglomeration of religious/devotional/classical arts. Many important dignitaries from various walks of life will be delivering addresses. Cultural troupes from many parts of Kerala and India will be taking part. The main focus is on religion and devotion. The sessions generally start at 1600 hrs and go on till late at night. One can watch classical dances, listen to classical/devotional music and attend religious discourses at these sessions.
These events are celebrated one day before Makara Vilakku ie on 13th January. It is said that the feast forms a part of the the victory celebrations conducted by Ayyappa and his troops after conquering the brigand `Udayanan'.
Pilgrims organise large scale feasts at noon and invite guests
to attend the feast. The participants sit on the ground and the meals are served
on plantain leaves in traditional Kerala style. You can find the choicest
of recipes from Kerala cuisine at Pampa Sadya. Respective `guruswamis'
oversee the arrangements for these feasts. The number of participants at the
feast is indicated by hanging corresponding number of fried `pappadams' at the
entrance to the 'viri' (temporary shelters) . It is believed that Lord Ayyappan is
the silent guest at each of these meals. A plantain leaf is set aside, with all
servings, for the invisible and honoured guest.
At dusk, on 13th January, you can see a large number of lamps floating in
Pampa River.
These are lamps placed on small floats and launched in
Pampa River as an integral part of Pampa Vilakku celebrations. The small improvised
floats are made out of areca nut/banana plant stems, twigs and such other material.
A lot of personal skill and expertise in handicraft go into the building of
these tiny floats. A sense of competition exists amongst the groups of pilgrims
to launch the fanciest and most intricate floats. The floats are set to drift to
their final destiny amidst chanting of prayers. The glimmering lamps floating downstream
provides a glittering visual treat especially when viewed from the Pampa bridge.
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