ERUMELI

This is small town about 60 kms from Kottayam and 13 kms south of Kanjirappally on the banks of Manimala river. Chengannur (62 kms) is the nearest railway station. It is the biggest pilgrim centre in the district and an ideal base camp to visit Sabarimala. The towering contours of the palm trees and teak plantations, the lakes and the farmlands form a stunning backdrop from Erumeli to Kottayam that can cherished forever by the tourists.
Legend - Lord Ayyappa had killed a demoness Mahishi who had the form of a buffallo. Since the Lord had killed the Eruma (buffallo) from Mel (top), the combination Erumai + Mel has become Erumeli.
Pettathullal - This ceremony is performed here during the annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala when the devotees, colourfully dressed, dance to the musice of "Swami Thinthakkathom, Ayyappa Thinthakkathom." The legend goes that the adivasis of Erumeli helped Lord Ayyappa in his battle with Mahishi or Eruma. So the pilgrims who come to Erumeli are expected to wear black, smear paint and powder, brandish wooden swords and knives and dance in a manner that resembles the adivasi's joyous dance. The essense of this practice is to give up ones ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. It is obligatory for all Kanni Ayyappans (first time pilgrims to Sabarimala) and Kanni Malikapurams to perform Patta Thullal. During the petta thullal Kanni Ayyappans carry a wooden arrow which is retained by them till they reach Saramkuthi Aal, near the Sabarimala temple. The pilgrims go round the Ayyappan Temple and Varar Shrine and later bathe in the river. Then the temple is visited again to seek authorization from Lord Ayyappa to tread the sacred hill Sabari. Later the pilgrims leave Erumeli under the guidance of their Guru for Sannidhanam. There is a school of thought that says that Petta Thullal was a sort of physical conditioning for Ayyappa's troops before they set course on their difficult journey through rough terrain to engage the brigand Udayanan who was a law unto himself. Alternately, it is believed that these rejoicings commemorate the joy of people after Mahishi was slain by Manikantan/Lord Ayyappan.
Sabarimala trek - Erumeli is the first stop during the holy trek to Sabarimala. This route was used by Ayyappan himself during his forest expedition to kill Mahishi.

Vavar Swami Mosque

Vavar is believed to be a close friend of Sri Ayyappa. This mosque is situated right opposite the entrance of the Kochambalam. After coming out from here the Sabarimala pilgrims go dancing to the Big Temple (Valiyambalam), about a kilometer away.