Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple — Attraction in Kerala

A meaningful stop — Erumeli (gateway to Sabarimala) — rich in history, faith & surprising geology

Erumeli, often called the "Gateway to Sabarimala," is far more than just a transit point. It is a vibrant, historically significant town in Kerala that offers a profound blend of spiritual ritual and natural beauty. Whether you are a dedicated pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a traveler seeking Kerala’s lush scenery, Erumeli deserves your full attention. This small town is more than a pit-stop: it’s a living junction of legend, communal harmony and distinctive hill-country landscape. If you’re a tourist, visitor or pilgrim, here’s a practical, history-and-geology informed take to help plan your visit.

What it is and why it matters Erumeli (often spelled Erumely) is the traditional gateway (idathavalam) for many pilgrims bound for Sabarimala. The town is famed for the Pettathullal — the mass spiritual dance — and the unique local tradition of devotees visiting both the Lord Ayyappa shrines and the Vavar (Vavarpalli) mosque, reflecting long-standing Hindu–Muslim harmony. Erumeli’s role during the pilgrimage season makes it spiritually significant and culturally fascinating.

History & legend (short, useful summary) The Legend of the Name: The town’s name originates from the legend of Lord Ayyappa (Manikanta). It is believed Ayyappa defeated the demoness Mahishi (whose form resembled a buffalo, or Eruma in Malayalam) here. The area was thus called 'Erumakolli' (the place where the buffalo was killed), which later became Erumeli.

The Temples: Kochambalam & Valiyambalam: The town features two prominent temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in his manifestation as Dharmasastha:

Kochambalam (Small Temple): Located in the town center, this is the primary gathering point where Lord Ayyappa is depicted holding a bow and arrow, symbolizing his warrior status after defeating Mahishi.

Valiyambalam (Big Temple): Located about 500 meters away, this temple marks the final ritualistic stop in Erumeli before pilgrims begin the forest trek.

Vavar Juma Masjid—A Token of Harmony: Situated directly opposite the Kochambalam, the Vavar Juma Masjid (often called Vavar Palli or Nainar Mosque) is a unique Islamic shrine dedicated to Vavar Swami, Lord Ayyappa’s loyal Muslim companion. Pilgrims visit this mosque as an essential act of faith, embodying Kerala's centuries-old tradition of religious tolerance. The Chandanakkudam festival is also held at the mosque on the eve of the main ritual.

The Petta Thullal Ritual: This famed ritualistic dance, performed by pilgrims (especially first-timers, or Kanni Ayyappas) to commemorate Ayyappa's victory, is central to Erumeli. The procession begins at the Kochambalam, dances through the town, and then circumambulates the Vavar Juma Masjid, where pilgrims are traditionally welcomed by the Muslim community (Mahallu Jama-at) before proceeding to the Valiyambalam. This joint participation is the highlight of the pilgrimage season. Erumeli is the mandatory starting point of the revered Periya Paatha (the traditional forest route) to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. Its spiritual landscape is defined by its deep mythological roots and a breathtaking display of communal harmony. Practical tips for tourists & pilgrims Best time: Pilgrimage season (Mandala-Makaravilakku — roughly Nov to Jan) is busiest and most atmospheric; visit outside this window for a quieter experience. Key sights: Vavar Juma Masjid (Vavarpalli), Ayyappa shrines, Pettathullal grounds during festival days. Take time to observe rituals with respect — photography rules may vary. Transport & stay: Erumeli is well connected by road; Kottayam is the nearest major district town for rail connections. During peak season book accommodation early — temporary lodgings and pandals appear for pilgrims. Safety & environment: Roads in monsoon can be slippery and hilly paths are rugged — wear sturdy footwear, carry water and a small first-aid kit. The soils and slopes mean some tracks can be uneven; local guidance is helpful if you plan...

"Erumeli" is a village and town in the southeast part of Kottayam district in Kerala state, India. It is situated on the way to Sabarimala and also an important halting place (idathavalam) for the Sabarimala piligrims. Erumely is famed for its religious harmony and prosperity between Hindus and Muslims which existed from the early periods. It is a place which have strong roots in legends and myths associated with lord Ayyappa.Erumely is the name extracted from Erumakolli ("killed the buffalo"). A myth tells that Lord Ayyappa killed "Mahishi" in this place on the way to collect a tiger's milk. Mahish means buffalo and "Eruma" in Malayalam and hence the name extract "erumakolli"Erumley has its own culture and it is different from all other places with simplicity and unity of Syrian Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities. The agrarian regions surrounding the town have a large presence of Catholic - Syrian Christians, who are mainly into rubber cultivation. Hindus and Muslims are found mostly in the town area.

All Hindus who are undertaking Sabarimala pilgrimage visit this place. There are two temples in this town of Lord Ayyappa and the famous "Petta Thullal" (ritual dance) is done in November, December and January months. Erumely Nainar Masjid is situated opposite to Erumely Cheriya Ambalam. Ayyaapan devotees visits Vavar Swamy at Nainar Masjid before visiting Ayyappa Swami. Vavar is considered as the companion of Ayyappa. Devotees believe that Vavar swami is at the masjid. Devotes goes to Cheriya Ambalam from the masjid. Then they will go to the Valiya Ambalam to seek the bleszings of Ayyappa. The visit to Vavar Swamy and Valiyambalam is done in the form a dance known as Pettathulal. This is done by coloring self, holding wooden bows and arrows. The myth is that during the killing of Mahishi, the local tribals had helped Ayyapa Swamy and after the killing, they danced in joy. Pettathulal represents the joy amongst the people. At the end of the Ayyappa season there is festival called Pettathullal where people from Ambalapuzha and Aalangattu will perform this. Ambalapuzha goes first and they will move to the Valiyambalam as usual. The Aalangattu will start this after the 'Krishnaparunth' and...

Ayyappa swamikal Erumeli is 65 km from Kottayam town. The way to trek to the Sabari Mala starts there in a place called KOttapadi. In this temple Dharma SAsthra is in the hunter(kiratha form). This seems to be appropriate since in the olden times the way to Sabari malai was filled with wild animals and the help and blessing of a hunter is needed to reach there. In Erumeli there is also a Mosque dedicated to Vavar the muslim friend of Lord Ayyappan and a Ganapathi temple in Kottapadi. Pilgrims offer worship at the Maha Ganapathi temple at KOttapadi, dress and paint themselves as hunters, Worship at the mosque of Vavar and reach the Erumeli temple. There they dance before the deity. This dance is called Petta THullal. The devotees believe that Lord Ayyappa also would be along with them when they do Petta Thullal. On or around January 12th every tyear two teams one from Ambalapuzha and another from Alangad reach Erumeli to do Petta Thullal.This would be preceded by carrying of Chandana Kudam(sandal pot) to Vavar;s mosque.The tem of Ambalapuzha team would start their Petta thullal from the Kiratha Sastha temple lead by their leader(Periyon) and they would reach the Muslim mosque dancing. There they would be honoured by the priests of the Mosque. There is a tradition that they would start dancing only after seeing the Krishna Parunthu (Brahamani eagle) flying in the sky. The Alangad team would arrive in the afternoon and would start their dance only after sighting the star in the after noon sky. From there both teams would proceed to Pamba and participate in a grand...