Pampa is a sand shore on the banks of the
Pampa River located on the way to
Sabarimala. The Pandalam king got an infant from the shore of the river, who grew up as
Lord Ayyappa.
Ram and
Lakshman are believed to have visited the area to meet Sabari, the woman sage. There are references to Pampa in the
Ramayana and there are many religious symbols in this place. One among them is the 'Rama Padam', the footprint of Ram embossed on a rock, located near the KSRTC bus stand at Pampa.
Pampa is a resting place for the pilgrims to Sabarimala. Holy bath in the river is a compulsory traditional custom. Offerings to the deceased relatives (tharpanam) are also done by the pilgrims. Pampa vilakku and Pampa sadya are the other famous offerings. Pampa Maha Ganapati Temple is visited at the beginning of the journey from Pampa to Sabarimala.