Pampa Sarovar

Pampa Sarovar is a sacred natural lake located in Anegundi village, near Hampi in Karnataka. It is one of the five sacred sarovars in Hindu tradition and is situated south of the Tungabhadra River. Surrounded by hills and bordered by a small Lakshmi temple, the lake is revered for its association with the Ramayana and Goddess Pampa. It is a prominent pilgrimage and sightseeing destination within the Hampi-Anegundi cultural landscape.

Visitors can expect a tranquil rectangular lake set in a valley surrounded by rocky hills and palm trees. The lake is accessed via stone steps and a ghat leading down to the water, with a small temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva on its bank. The surroundings are quiet and natural, with clear water, lotus growth in season, and views of nearby hills including Anjanadri Hill. The site is primarily for darshan, sightseeing and photography.

Pampa Sarovar is traditionally identified with the lake named after Pampa, daughter of Brahma, and is linked to the Ramayana period. Tradition associates the site with Shabari, who is believed to have waited for Lord Rama here, and with the ancient Kishkindha region. The lake and its temples reflect centuries of pilgrimage tradition in the Anegundi-Hampi region, which was part of the Vijayanagara Empire's cultural landscape.

The lake is highly revered in Hinduism as one of the Panch Sarovars along with Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar. It is considered sacred to Goddess Pampa, a form of Parvati, and is an important pilgrimage stop for devotees visiting Hampi and Anegundi. Bathing and prayers at the lake are believed to be auspicious.