Pampa Sarovar

Visit the sacred Pampa Sarovar, a beautiful lake nestled in a valley and steeped in the lore of the Ramayana. This is the spot where Pampa Devi performed penance and where Rama and Lakshmana passed during their search for Sita, making it a place of immense spiritual and historical importance.

Pampa Sarovar is located behind Vali Parvata in Anegundi. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by hills on three sides. The Skanda Purana provides a detailed background of this sacred lake. According to the legend, during the Chakshusha Manvantara, Pampa Devi, a manifestation of Parashakti and the Manasa Putri (mind-born daughter) of Brahma, performed intense penance here as per her father’s command. She bathed daily in this lake, worshipped Virupaksha and won his favor, eventually receiving his blessings. Since this was the lake where she performed her daily rituals, it came to be known as Pampa Sarovar. The Valmiki Ramayana also mentions Pampa Sarovar. When Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita, they reached Kishkindha and passed by Pampa Sarovar before heading to Rishyamukha to meet Sugriva. The Ramayana describes the lake’s enchanting beauty. From afar, the lake exuded a divine fragrance. Along its banks were Ashoka, Tilaka, Punnaga, Bakula and other flowering trees. The clear, sweet waters were adorned with blooming lotus flowers. The surrounding grass, filled with colorful tiny flowers, appeared like a natural green carpet. Mango trees dotted the landscape, with cuckoos singing from their branches and peacocks dancing gracefully on the ground, creating a truly divine and picturesque setting. An inscription found at Pampa Sarovar reveals that around 988 C.E. (10th century), Ahavamalla Taila II, the Kalyana Chalukya emperor, stayed in this region near the Tungabhadra River, known as Pampa’s abode. Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of the site, local rulers constructed temples dedicated to Pampambike and Pampapathi on the lake’s banks. Pampambike is worshipped here as Vindhyavasini, holding a Conch (Shankha) and Discus (Chakra) in her hands, which is why she is also referred to as Jayalakshmi. The Pampapathi Temple comprises a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), Antarala (vestibule), a Mahamantapa with 15 pillars and a Mukhamantapa (front hall). Adjacent to this temple, on the right side, stands the Pampambike Temple, with its Mukhamantapa and Mahamantapa constructed during the Vijayanagara period. On the walls beside the sanctum entrance of the Pampapathi Temple, there are Bhairava and Ishtalinga worshipper sculptures. These carvings reflect the Kalamukha Shaiva tradition, commonly seen in temples from the 11th century. This historical context suggests that the original sanctums of both the Pampapathi and Pampambike temples were built during the 10th century Kalyana Chalukya period, making them some of the oldest temples in Anegundi. Today, both temples have been restored and continue to attract devotees. Nearby is the Shabari Cave, adding to the site’s spiritual significance. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of the country visit Pampa Sarovar, drawn by its historical, cultural and religious importance.

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