Sri MahaGanapathi Asthotharam

Sri Mahaganapathi Ashtotharam

1. Aum Vinaayakaaya Namaha ::
    Adoration to the remover of obstacles
2. Aum Vighnaraajaaya Namaha ::  
    Adoration to the ruler of obstacles
3. Aum Gauriputraaya Namaha ::
    Adoration to the son of Gauri
4. Aum Ganeshvaraaya Namaha  :: 
    Adoration to the Lord of Siva’s Ganas
5. Aum Skandaagrajaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Skanda’s elder brother
6. Aum Avyayaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the inexhaustible one
7. Aum Puutaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the pure one
8. Aum Dakshaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the skilful one
9. Aum Adhyakshaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the presiding One
10.Aum Dvijapriyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who loves the twiceborn
11.Aum Agnigarvacchide Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who destroyed the ego of the fire
12.Aum Indrashripradaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the restorer of Indra’s wealth
13.Aum Vaaniipradaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who gives the power of speech
14.Aum Avyayaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the inexhaustible one
15.Aum Sarvasiddhipradaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the One who bestows all fulfillment.
16.Aum Sarvatanayaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the son of Shiva
17.Aum Sárvareepriyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is loved by Parvati
18.Aum Sarvaatmakaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is the soul of all
19.Aum Srishtikartre Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the creator
20.Aum Devaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the resplendent one
21.Aum anekaarchitaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the one worshipped by multitudes
22.Aum Sívaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the auspicious one
23.Aum S’uddhaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the pure one
24.Aum Buddhipriyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is fond of intelligence
25.Aum Sáantaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the peaceful one
26.Aum Brahmachaarine Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is celibate
27.Aum Gajaananaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has an elephant face
28.Aum Dvaimaaturaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has two mothers
29.Aum Munistutaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is praised by sages
30.Aum BhaktaVignaVinaashakaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the destroyer of devotee’s obstacles
31.Aum Ekadantaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has one tusk
32.Aum Chaturbaahave Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has four arms
33.Aum Chaturaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the ingenious one
34.Aum Sákti Samyutaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is united with Power
35.Aum Lambodraaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has a large belly
36.Aum Súrpakarnaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him with ears like winnowing fan
37.Aum Haraye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who destroys evil with lion like courage
38.Aum Brahmaviduttamaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the foremost knower of the supreme God
39.Aum Kaalaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the master of destiny
40.Aum Grahapataye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the lord of all planets and galaxies
41.Aum Kaamine Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is love
42.Aum Somasuryaagni Lochanaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him whose eyes are the moon, sun and fire
43.Aum Paasánkusádharaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the one who holds a noose and goad
44.Aum Chandaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the One who appears fearsome
45.Aum Gunaateetaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who transcends all qualities
46.Aum Niranjanaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is without blemish
47.Aum akalmashaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is without impurity
48.Aum Svayamsiddhaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is self fulfilled and perfect.
49.Aum Siddhaarchita padaambujaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him whose lotus feet sages worship 
50.Aum Beejapoora phalaasaktaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is fond of pomegranates
51.Aum Varadaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the one who bestows of boons
52.Aum Sas’vataaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the eternal unchanging one
53.Aum Kritine Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the skillfully accomplished one
54.Aum Dvijapriyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is fond of the twice born
55.Aum Veetabhayaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is free from fear
56.Aum Gadine Namah :: 
    Adoration to Him whose weapon is the mace or club
57.Aum Chkrine Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him whose weapon is the discus
58.Aum Ikshuchaapadrithe Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who holds the sugarcane bow
59.Aum S’ridaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the one who bestows great wealth
60.Aum Ajaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the unborn One 
61.Aum Utplakaraaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who holds the upright blue lotus flower
62.Aum S’ripataye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the Lord of overflowing wealth
63.Aum Stutiharshitaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who delights in praise
64.Aum Kulaadribhrite Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who supports he Himalayas, his family mountain
65.Aum Jatilaaya Namaha :: 
   Adoration to Him who wears distinguished matted hair
66.Aum Kalikalmasha Naashanaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who destroys the sins of the Kaliyuga
67.Aum Chandrachudaamanaye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who wears a moon upon his head
68.Aum Kaantaaya Namaha ::  
    Adoration to the beloved loving one
69.Aum Paapahaarine Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the destroyer of sins
70.Aum Samaahitaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is absorbed in meditation
71.Aum Aas’ritaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is our refuge
72.Aum S’rikaraaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who manifests prosperity
73.Aum Saumyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the pleasant one
74.Aum Bhakta vaanchita daayakaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the granter of devotee’s desires
75.Aum Sántaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the peaceful one
76.Aum Kaivalya sukhadaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the one who bestows unsullied liberation
77.Aum Sacchidaananda vigrahaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the embodiment of existence-knowledge-bliss
78.Aum Jnaanine Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the great wisdom
79.Aum Dayaayutaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is full of compassion
80.Aum Daantaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has self control
81.Aum Brahmadveshavivarjitaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is free from aversion for knowledge
82.Aum Pramattadaitya bhayadaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who brings terror to power-intoxicated
83.Aum S’rikantaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him whose throat is beautiful
84.Aum Vinbudeshwaraaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the Lord of the wise
85.Aum Raamaarchitaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is worshipped by Rama
86.Aum Vidhaye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is the destiny of all
87.Aum Naagaraaja Yagnopaveetavate Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him whose sacred thread is a King cobra
88.Aum stulakanthaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has a stout neck,representing tremendous will and  compassion
89.Aum Swayam kartre Namaha :: 
     Adoration to Him who is the cause of Himself
90.Aum Saamagosha priyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who loves the sound of saama Veda
91.Aum Parasmai Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who is supreme
92.Aum Stulatundaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who has a stout trunk
93.Aum Agranye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him the first born of Siva
94.Aum Dheeraaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the courageous one
95.Aum Vaageeshaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the Lord of speech
96.Aum Siddhi daayakaaya namaha :: 
    Adoration to the one who bestows fulfillment
97.Aum Doorvaa bilvapriyaaya Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him who loves Durva grass and bilva leaves
98.Aum Avyaktamurtaye Namaha :: 
    Adoration to the manifestation of the unmanifest
99.Aum Adbutamurtuimate Namaha :: 
    Adoration to Him of a wonderous form
100. Aum sailenra tanujotsanga Kelanotsuka maanasaaya Namaha ::
       Adoration to him who is fond of playing in the lap of His Mother, Parvati,        the daughter of the mountain Lord Himavan
101. Aum Swalaavanya sudhaasarajita manmatha vigrahaaya Namaha ::  
       Adoration to Him who defeated Manmatha the God of love, by his sweet
beauty
102. Aum Samastha jagadhodhaaraaya Namaha :: 
       Adoration to the supporter of all the worlds
103.Aum Maayine Namaha :: 
      Adoration to the source of illusory power
104. Aum Mooshika vaahanaaya Namaha :: 
       Ádoration to him who rides the abundance gathering mouse
105. Aum Hrishtaaya Namaha :: 
       Adoration to the rapturously joyful one
106. Aum Tushtaaya Namaha :: 
       Adoration to the contented one
107. Aum Prasannaatmane Namaha :: 
       Adoration to the bright, loving one
108. Aum Sarvasiddhipradaayakaaya Namaha :: 
       Adoration to the grantor of all fulfillment

 Ganapathi Asthotharam Sampoornam

Lord of Five Hills

Sabarigiri vasa 

Ayyappa is popularly known as sabarigiri vasa, meaning the lord of sabarigiri who stays on sabarigiri. Just like lord venkateswara, who is called as lord of seven hills, ayyappa is known as lord of five hills.  There is a reason which needs to be understood why ayyappa is known as lord of five hills. Also he is popularily known as boothanatha. One needs to understand why he is known as boothanatha.

When proceeding to Sabarimala, after climbing the eighteen sacred steps of the shrine and step in to the front yard of the temple, what greets everyone  first is the huge inscription in Sanskrit and Malayalam “THATH THVAM ASI”, one of the four Mahaa-vaakyas, the great sayings, of the Vedas that reminds you: “Your are essentially That – the Supreme Reality”.

In realising this maha vakya, the major hurdle one faces is the ego. There are basic six internal enemies (Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Matsarya) inside us, which we need to conquer to be victorious in the path to realise the self. Apart from these basic six enemies, we have another major enemy within us known as ego, which is a major hurdle and very difficult to conquer. There are various methods suggested to weaken the ego. The deeksha had been designed in such a way that we can weaken the ego and conquer our mind and by the grace of ayyappa become victorious in path of knowing the self.

Abstinence is one of the ways to weaken Ego

 They are

1. Abstinence of food (fasting) for small period of time. - Earth Element.

2. Abstinence of food without taste -salt-less, sweet-less, avoiding meat-foods or any favorite food  - water element.

3. Abstinence from  Sex - Fire element

4. Abstinence from an addictive ( favorite or sensually entertaining ) activity - Air element

5. Abstinence from talking- Silence -Space element.

All these five elements are observed in Sabarimala which makes this a wonderful pilgrimage to purify the body and the mind. The power of Abstinence if not clearly  understood, will give an impression that pilgrimage is a meaningless torture of the body and mind.

The five elements or Pancha Bhootas

The Boothanaathopaakhyaanam is the main Puraana related to Dharma Saastha or Ayyappa. Dharma Sastha is also known as Boothanaatha, because from Him-the supreme Reality – evolved the Pancha bhootas, the five elements, or the five phases of evolution from the subtlest to the grossest, as Aakaasa (the physical space), Vaayu (the gaseious stage), Agni (the fiery stage, or the stage of chemical combination), Apa (the stage of liquidity) and Prithvi (the stage of solidity).

Through the five abstinence practices one can transcend the Ego and realize the Consciousness the uncaused cause of all manifestations. Only through the purification of the body, mind and Ego , can one attain Self-realization. This is indicated by the 18 steps of Sabarimala. The 18 steps are considered to be the 18 things which we need to conquered to realise the self/ayyappa. 

We can consider it in this way also, that each year we conquer one quality or submit one quality at the feet of lord by taking mandala deeksha and doing sabari yatra. To identify that a person has conquered all his 18 qualities which were a hurdle in his self realisation, he will plant a coconut tree at sabari mala in his 18th year deeksha. If a person had really submitted a quality at the feet of the lord or conquered the quality which was acting as an hurdle in his self-realization, his life is a transformed life and he is a tool in the hands of the lord, and he doesnt find difference between him and the lord. He will see the lord everywhere and he will not have any differences between the various forms of the lord. 

To mark the significance of this, generally we associate 18 hills with sabarimala, which are around the sabarimala and the list of the 18 hills are as given below.

The 18 Hills associated with sabarimala.

1. Ponambalam medu

2. Kundall mamala

3. Sundara mamala

4. Nagranezum mala

5. Ingiparakota

6. Karinira mamala

7. Mayiladum mamala

8. Chittambalamala

9. Sripadam mala

10.Pudhusheri mamala

11.Madangga mala

12.Kalkimaleshwara mamala

13.Nelakkal shivamala

14.Thalapara mala

15.Devar mala

16.Kalakatti mala

17.Neelimala

18.Sabariponnmala Sabarimala

Om Sri Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Om Sri Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Om Sri Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Kanne Swamy - ayyappa swamy deeksha

Who is a kanne swamy

Kanne Swamy - the person who is taking ayyappa swamy deeksha for the first time. He has got a special place for himself among the ayyappa devotees. Because, lord ayyappa had given word for maalikapuramma that, he will marry her the year when kanne swamy doesnt come to his sannidanam.  Kanne Swamy is the choicest one for Lord ayyappa. Ayyappa loves to be in yoga mudra from where he can save his devotees and lift them up to the state of realising the "Tattwamasi".so he preferred not to get married and the year a kanne swamy comes to his abode, he can continue to be bachelor and not get married, thus continue his work of sitting in his yoga mudra. A kanne swamy will pierce an arrow known as saram, during his sabari yatra at sarangutti as an indication that a kanne swamy had visited the sabari this year. Every year maalikapuramma is taken to this sarangutti to check if any kanne swamy had visited sabari and pierced a saram at sarangutti.

Others dimesion towards kanne swamy

As kanne swamy is the choicest of ayyappa,there are so many instances where words spoken by kanne swamy turned out to be true. So for this reason, kanne swamy should always think positively and speak positively. Guruswamy's always look for a kanne swamy in their troupe for sabari yatra. It is thought that kanne swamy in a troupe is like lord ayyappa himself accompanying them. Most people will make the kanne swamy perform the puja in their padi pujas. Even in swamy pujas, kanne swamy is considered as a special guest as if ayyappa himself is attending the puja in the form of kanne swamy.

Kanne swamy dimension

Generally a person who is taking ayyappa swamy deeksha for the first time, will not be knowing anything and he might be taking deeksha for various reasons like - he might have seen his friends, relatives, neighbours, colleagues etc taking this deeksha, he might have prayed ayyappa that he will take the deeksha if some of his desire is fulfilled, he might have seen somebody transformed in their life after taking swamy deeksha,he might be having some wish which needs to be fulfilled etc. Whatever the reason may be, but it is clear and evident that one cannot take deeksha without the blessings and permission of ayyappa. The entire deeksha is bound with guru tattwa and self realisation, which is possible only with the guidance of a guru. Even ayyappa is known as guruvan guru (Guru of gurus). For the same reason, the person who gives mandala deeksha to swamy's by putting mala and taking the swamys to sabari yatra is known as guru swamy.

so it is the responsibility of a kanne swamy to know the niyamalu (rules) of the deeksha and get answered all his doubts from guru swamy and perform the deeksha with devotion and sincerity.The experience one has from his sabari yatra depends on how he had performed his deeksha. If one is sincere in his deeksha, he is bound to get transformed in his personal life in all aspects.

Om sri swamiye saranam ayyappa

Om sri swamiye saranam ayyappa

Om sri swamiye saranam ayyappa

Pampa River

The River Pampa (Southern Ganga)- The Divine River

The pampa River considered as the Dakshina Ganga (Southern Ganges) due to its association with Kerala's Largest Pilgrim Centre - Sabarimala is the third longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha and the longest river in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.                    

Sabarimala and Pampa

Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river pampa. The River pampa enriches the lands of Pathanamthitta District and the Kuttanand area of Alappuzha District. Pampa originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1650 metres and flows through Ranni, Kozhenchery, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Kuttanad, Karthikapally, and Ambalappuzha Taluks (approximately 176 Kms)  and finally empties into the Vembanad Lake.A famous Anjana temple is situated near this bank. This river enriches the Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha districts of Kerala state. Kuttanad, an important rice cultivating area in Kerala gets the irrigation water from the pampa river. The pampa basin is bounded on the east by the Western Ghats. The river shares its northern boundary with the Manimala River basin, while it shares the southern boundary with the Achankovil River basin.Lord Ayyappan (Sri Dharmasastha) appeared to the Pandalam Raja as a child on the banks of the pampa River.

The pampa River has been venerated as Dakshina Ganga, and devotees of Lord Ayyappan believe that immersing oneself in the pampa is equivalent to bathing in the Holy Ganges River.  Bathing in the river, believed to absolve one's sins, is a requirement before commencing the trek through the forest to the Ayyappan Temple atop Sabarimala (pampa snanam, sarva paapa vinasanam) .The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other divine places enroute. At Pampa also there are a few pilgrim sheds. 

If one takes bath in the pampa, he will feel the freshness and as if all his tiresome is removed and he is being rejunevated. One can experience the energy being injected into the body after taking the holy bath in pampa. After walking from Erumely to pampa, if one takes his bath in pampa, one can experience that all the body pains which had been there during the walk will just vanish like anything and one can feel that freshness and vibrant energy flowing into the body. With this rejunevated energy and the eagerness to have the darshan of lord ayyappa one will easily go ahead to sabarimala.The most auspicious part of Pampa is the Triveni Sangamam which is the right of pampa bridge.Two branches of the river merge and this point is called Triveni Sangamam.Triveni offers salvations to forefathers.It is believed that Lord Rama during his stay in the forest reached Triveni and offered tarpan to his father.Due to this devotees take a dip at Triveni sangamam often balitarpan to their forefathers as per the rituals on the sandy banks of the river.Triveni area is  known for its rich herbal wealth and flora and  may be due to its purity and medicinal wealth that augments the health of the devotees.

Responsibility of the devotees and the board

Every year, 2-2.5 crore pilgrims visit the temple town in the forests of Sabari hills. The congregation peaks in November-December and the second week of January. The past few decades have seen a huge rise in numbers. But infrastructure has not kept up with the influx, making it one of the most polluted places in Kerala. Sanitation facilities are inadequate and almost all the solid waste generated around the temple area ultimately reaches the Pampa. Travancore Devasthanam Board is trying its best to keep the sanctity of the river and provide facilities to the visiting devotees (pilgrims). Apart from the board, it is the individual responsibility of the devotees to protect the sanctity of the holy river. Devotees should take care not to pollute the river by dumping all the material into pampa. Use public toilet facilities provided by devasthanam board and not to pollute the river. Let everybody behave responsible to keep the holiness and purity of the sacred river. Previous years, Mata Amritanandamayi mutt volunteers have taken the pampa cleaning drive and removed all the dirt and waste material which had got accumulated in pampa river. But why should one spoil the sanctity of the river and why should someone volunteer to remove the waste material. What if mata amritanandamayi mutt didnt took the initiative and volunteered to clean the river. Why should devotees visiting sabarimala not behave with responsibility. Let everyone should feel that this is our country, our place. Will a devotee do the same thing in his house by dumping all the dirt and waste in his hall,bedroom, kitchen, varandah etc. In the same way, the devotee should feel that sabarimala is his fathers abode and not spoil it and try to keep it pure and clean.

Aranmula temple uthruttathi vallam kali (the snake boat race)

Apart from the pilgrims and devotees taking holy bath in pampa, pampa which is the life line of Central Travancore has also gifted keralites with a cultural gift of Snake Boats(Chundan valloms). The major snake boat races are conducted in the Pampa waters at various localities, via Ayroor, Malakkara, Chengannur, Mannar, Neeretupuram, Payipadu, Pulinkunnu and Allapuzha as well as Aranmula. The snake boat race (chundan Vallom kali) is one of the important "Traditional Game" in Kerala.One of the most important boat races is being conducted at Aranmula in the River Pampa. Aranmula Boat festival is connected to the Annual Onam Festival of Kerala. Annually about 35 Snake boats other wise called 'Palliyodams' participate in the Aranmula 'Uthruttathy Jalolswom'. The Aranmula Jalolswam is steadily and fast growing into a great international event in India. The Aranmula Boat race is the biggest domestic tourist event which attracts millions every year. This spectacular regatta has found its own place in the international tourist map and every year a large number of tourists come over to Kerala to watch this boat race."Palliyodams" are given the sanctity of a temple due to faith in the presence of the deity. "Parthasarathy" (Lord Krishna), of the holy shrine of the Aranmula Temple. Snake boat pageantry is held as a part of the anniversary celebrations of the 'Idol' installation of Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple believed to have been held centuries ago on an Uthruttathy day in Chingam, 1st calendar month of Malayalam Era. This legendary festival is a great annual event of Central Travancore. It has religious, artistic and social overtones. No where else in the world would there be such an event with millions of people taking part ( one Eanam and Thalam). It has no parallel as it is commemorative of an ancient tradition rooted about 600 years in history. The Aranmula Jalolswom is steadily growing into a great international event in India and abroad. The "Discovery Television channel has beamed the beauty of the Aranmula Snake boat race all over the World.Aranmula Boat race has manifold significance.

It has contributed immensely to the communal harmony as it has become a cosmopolitan, social event, participated by people of all religions, age and creed. It attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. Unlike the sporting and competitive aspects of other boat races artistic, social and religious too aspects are given importance. PERUNTHENARUVI  (36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira)The Perunthenaruvi waterfalls on the banks of the pampa river is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists MARAMON CONVENTION 

Started in 1896, the Maramon Convention is held annually by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association (MTEA), the missionary wing of the Mar Thoma Church. It is on the banks of the River pampa at Maramon near Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta District. Usually held in the month of February, the convention is attended by thousands from all over India, and is a centre of Christian culture and influence. The annual weeklong gathering is a great occasion for listening to evangelists and eminent exponents of the Bible from around the world. 

Missionaries of the Evangelistic Association also come and share their experiences with the believers.Maramon and Kozhencherry, on the banks of the river Pampa 7 kilometres. CONVENTION CHERUKOLPUZHA  Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention is another important annual feature on the river bed of pampa. This famous Hindu religious convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities PARUMALA

It is here that Mar Gregories Metropolitan the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church takes his eternal rest . The ormapperunnal celebrated on the first and second of every November, is very famous at this time a large number of people flock to this place for worship .The Travancore Devasam board has setup here a collage known as pampa college DEVASWOM BOARD PAMPA COLLEGE, PARUMALA 

Devaswom Board Pampa College, Parumala was established in 1968 to offer quality higher education to the students in and around Mannar and the nearby areas in various taluks of Aalappuzha and present Pathanamthitta districts.The college became a Centre of Post Graduate studies with the affiliation of M.Sc.Mathematics course in 1984-85 and in 1995-96, M.Sc. Physics course was started. In 1997-98 a vocational B.Sc. course was started with Botany main and B.A.English vocational was started in 1998-99, followed by M.Sc. Chemistry in 2000-01.The college was affiliated to 12(f) of University Grants Commission, paving way for high standards in education and infrastructure. CHARALKUNNU 

Charalkunnu is a picturesque hill station from where one can have a panoramic view of the low lying areas including that of the sinuous river Pumpa. There is a comfortable camp house which has both rooms and dormitories.Charalkunnu is also renowned as a religious centre for Christians, for its many Convention centers organizing holy preaching from Bible. 

This is a picturesque hill station, where the panoramic view of valleys merges with that of the sinuous river pampa. From rooms and dormitories to comfortable camp houses in dense forests, the place has everything to fulfill your accommodation facilities. KADAMMANITTA 

Kadammanitta, a village only 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta is famous for padayani,which is an important ritual art performed in the premises of the Kadamanitta .Devi Temple. This art from is an offering for the mother goddess. it is celebrated every year from the first day of Medam (Malayalam -era)to the 10th day (pathmudayam). Nearest Bus Station - Patthanamthitta Patthanamthitta to Kadammanitta - 8kms. KAKKI 

Kakki reservoir, set in sylvan background, is a 'tourists' delight. The splendid artificial lake offers exhilarating boating experience . The surrounding forest abounds in tigers, elephants, deers and monkeys.Kakki Reservoir is an artificial lake, located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. 

The lake, which was created when Kakki and Anathode dams were built, is on one of the tributaries of pampa, the Kakki tributary. The dams were built in 1966 as part of the Sabarigiri Hydroelectric project. Full reservoir level (FRL) is 981.45 meters above sea level according to  the operators of the "twin" reservoirs, the Kerala State Electricity Board.The reservoir, which is also a tourist spot, is nestled in the Pathanamthitta reserve forest, very close to the Western Ghats.  (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)