Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 ERUMELI Situated about 60 kms. away from Kottayam town, it is the biggest pilgrim centre in the district. There is an ancient temple where 'Sridharma Sastha' is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa. Every year, lakhs and lakhs of people throng to Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and Irumudis, chant slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the holy Eighteen Stairs and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha. Devotees will start their yatra either from Erumeli to Sabarimala (48 miles) by climbing hills (dense forest) on foot. Some Devotees start their yatra from Pampa to Sabarimala (7 kms) . The unique feature of the Temple is that it is open to people of all faiths and many none hindus conduct pilgrimages to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is best exemplified by the existence of the "Vavar Nada" in honor of a Muslim saint in close proximity to the main temple (Ayyappa Swami Temple) at Sabarimala by the side of Holy Pathinettampady. The pilgrims worship in this place also. The pilgrims on their sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage. Ayyappa Cult gives a lot of importance to secularism and communal harmony and has set out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate, holding position or not, master or servant are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA. Petta Thullal According to traditional belief, Petta Thullal is the re-enactment of the annihilation of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa. The Ambalappuzha group, as per the ritual, will first proceed to Erumeli Valiyambalam while the Alangattu group will commence from the Mosque Junction. Thousands of pilgrims will join the procession. They will paint their faces with colors and dance to the tune of drumbeats chanting Swami thinthakathom...Ayyapppa thinthakathom'. After offering prayers at Valiyambalam, both the groups will proceed to Sabarimala temple through the traditional trekking paths. 1. Erumeli to Pampa Sarasthadam. (via Peroorthodu, Kalaketti, Azhuthayaar, Kallidam Kunnu, Azhuthamedu, Inchiparakotta, Kariyilamthodu, Karimala, Valiyanavattm-by walk through mountainous forest. (47 KMs) (This is the holy traditional route) 1. Erumeli 2. Peroor Thodu 3. Irumboonni Kara 4. Arasumudi Kotta 5. Kaalaketi 6. Azhutha 7. Azhutha Nadi 8. Kallidam Kunnu 9. Inchipara Kota 10. Mukkuzhi 11. Kariyilam Thodu 12. Karimala 13. Valiyana Vattom 14. Cheriyana Vattom 15. Pampa Nadi Distance Chart : Erumeli - Pampa Erumeli - Kaalaketti - 11Kms Kaalaketti - Azhutha - 2.5 Kms approx Azhutha River - Pampa - 37 Kms approx Peroor Thodu - Irumboonikara - 3 Kms (Forest starts from Irumbooni Kara) Irumboonikara - Arasumdi Kotta - 3 Kms approx with Warm Regards ManoRaj Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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