Home

Tsunami & After

Back to Index

Erumeli, a pilgrim spot in Kerala
by Juhan Samuel

    Kottayam (Kerala): Erumeli, which is situated about 60 kms away from the town of Kottayam in Kerala, has emerged as a spot for pilgrims promoting a unique blend of secularism. Pilgrims usually stop over at the Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal" before proceeding to the famous Sabarimala Temple for further prayers and worship. Thousands of devotees, irrespective of caste or creed from the southern states dance to the beat of drums at Erumeli. These people adorn themselves with garlands and Irumudis, chant slogans in the name of Lord Ayyappa, bathe in the River Pampa , climb up the 18 stairs of the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.

    Erumeli is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats , from where an ancient footpath takes pilgrims to the Sabarimala Temple. Today, however, devotees making a beeline for Sabarimala travel upto Pampa and trek about four kilometres to reach their final destination. "We are coming here for the past fifteen years. We are going for the yatra and we pray to Vavar before we head to Lord Ayyappa's temple. We are happy to offer prayers in the mosque," said Ernu Swamy, a pilgrim from Andhra Pradesh According to legend, Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala Temple had killed the demon King Mahishi with the help of his Muslim friend Vavar at this place and to commemorate the victory, devotees heading to Sabarimala Temple dress like tribals and head to the mosque in the city to pay obeisance to Vavar, reflecting the true secular spirit of India. "This ritual has been followed by our great grandfathers. Even when we pray at our mosque, as the Hindus at the same time are also allowed to do their rituals and this has never been a disturbance to us, we also make all the necessary arrangements for them to follow their prayers and procession inside the mosque. The tradition is being followed for decades and will be continued in the future without any daily," said Abdul Salem, the president of the mosque in Erumeli.

    The Ayyappa cult gives a lot of importance to secularism and communal harmony and has set out to be a model. The pilgrimage to Sabarimalai, which began on November 16 continues till Makar Sankranti on January 14. Those heading to the temple have to undergo severe penance before going for the pilgrimage, like abstinence from worldly vices for 41 days.
-Jan 12, 2006

Leading Indian News Papers

Overseas Tourist
Offices

Tourist offices
in India

Helpline