"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 star is seen.