Erumeli Dharmasastha Temple – History, Legends, Rituals, Festivals & Pilgrimage Guide

October 06, 2025 , , , ,

 

Location

  • Temple Name: Erumeli Sree Dharmasastha Temple (Valiyambalam)
  • Town: Erumeli
  • District: Kottayam, Kerala
  • Coordinates: 9°28′48.4″N 76°50′38.4″E
  • Nearby Access Points:
    • Nearest Bus Station: Erumeli
    • Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvalla
    • Nearest Airport: Kochi

Main Deity

  • Presiding Deity: Lord Ayyappa (Dharmasastha)
  • Form: Meditative posture, similar to Sabarimala
  • Tantric Rights: Held by Tazhmon Mutt

Subshrines and Nearby Shrines

  • Kochambalam: A smaller Ayyappa temple located just 0.5 km away
  • Vavar Masjid: Located nearby, symbolizing religious harmony; pilgrims offer prayers here before proceeding to Sabarimala
  • Other Upadevatas: Not explicitly listed, but typical Kerala Sastha temples may include Ganapathi, Shiva, and serpent deities

Temple Significance

  • Sabarimala Pilgrimage Hub: Erumeli is a key halting point for pilgrims en route to Sabarimala
  • Pettathullal Ritual:
    • A symbolic dance performed by devotees to commemorate Ayyappa’s victory over the demon Mahishi
    • Begins at Kochambalam, proceeds to Vavar Masjid, and culminates at Valiyambalam
  • Annual Festival (Thiruulsavam):
    • Celebrated in February (Kumbham) for 10 days
    • Includes traditional Kerala temple arts and rituals
  • Historical Importance:
    • Believed to be over 1000 years old
    • Managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board
  • Pilgrim Amenities:
    • Accommodation, food, and water provided by temple authorities

History

  • The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old, serving as a spiritual anchor for pilgrims en route to Sabarimala.
  • It is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, and its tantric rights are held by the Tazhmon Mutt, a prominent Brahmin family entrusted with temple rituals.
  • Erumeli itself is historically significant as the place where Lord Ayyappa is said to have defeated the demoness Mahishi, marking the beginning of his divine mission.

Legends

  • According to lore, Ayyappa rested at Erumeli after vanquishing Mahishi, and danced in joy with his tribal allies. This event is commemorated through the Pettathullal ritual.
  • The temple is closely associated with Vavar, a Muslim warrior and devotee of Ayyappa. Pilgrims honor Vavar at the nearby mosque before entering the temple, symbolizing interfaith harmony.
  • The Kochambalam (small temple) nearby is believed to be the original site where Ayyappa first appeared to devotees.

Architecture

  • The temple follows traditional Kerala temple architecture, featuring:
    • A chuttambalam (enclosed courtyard)
    • A sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) housing the meditative idol of Dharmasastha
    • A namaskara mandapam for offerings and prayers
  • The temple complex includes flagstaff (dwajasthambam) and balikkal (sacrificial stone), typical of Kerala temples.
  • The surroundings are lush and serene, enhancing the spiritual ambiance for pilgrims preparing for the Sabarimala trek.

Rituals

  • Daily Pujas: Performed in accordance with Kerala temple traditions, including Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja, and Athazha Pooja.
  • Special Offerings:
    • Neerajanam, Pushpabhishekam, Neyyabhishekam
    • Appam, Aravana, Ashtottararchana
    • Adima Samarppanam (ritual surrender to Ayyappa for protection)
  • Pettathullal:
    • A symbolic tribal dance performed by pilgrims to reenact Ayyappa’s victory over Mahishi.
    • Begins at Kochambalam, halts at Vavar mosque, and culminates at Valiyambalam.
  • Pilgrim Rituals:
    • Devotees wear black or saffron, carry Irumudi, and chant Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.
    • Offerings are made at both the temple and Vavar mosque, symbolizing unity.

Festivals

  • Thiruulsavam (Annual Festival):
    • Held in Kumbham (February) for 10 days
    • Includes Kodiyettam (flag hoisting), Aarattu (holy bath), and cultural programs
  • Mandala-Makaravilakku Season:
    • From mid-November to mid-January
    • Erumeli becomes a vibrant hub for Sabarimala pilgrims
  • Pettathullal Festival:
    • Held on Makara Jyothi day
    • Thousands of devotees participate in the ritual dance and procession

Beliefs

  • Victory of Dharma: Ayyappa’s triumph over Mahishi at Erumeli symbolizes the victory of righteousness over evil.
  • Unity in Diversity: The temple’s proximity to the Vavar mosque reflects Ayyappa’s inclusive spirit and interfaith harmony.
  • Spiritual Preparation: Visiting Erumeli is considered essential for purifying oneself before ascending to Sabarimala.
  • Blessings for Courage and Protection: Devotees believe that surrendering to Dharmasastha here grants strength, protection, and spiritual clarity.

Temple Hours

  • Morning: 4: 30 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    (Timings may extend during festival days and Sabarimala season)

Getting Here

  • By Road:
    • Well-connected via KSRTC and private buses from Kottayam, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, and Punalur
    • Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu often enter via Sengottai–Aryankavu route
  • By Rail:
    • Nearest station: Thiruvalla (approx. 45 km)
  • By Air:
    • Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (approx. 110 km)

Tips

  • Dress Code: Wear traditional attire; black or saffron for Sabarimala pilgrims
  • Visit Sequence: Start at Kochambalam, then Vavar Mosque, and finally Valiyambalam
  • Pettathullal Season: If visiting during Makara Jyothi, join or witness the vibrant Pettathullal ritual
  • Local Offerings: Carry Irumudi, coconut, ghee, and rice for offerings
  • Spiritual Prep: Spend time in prayer and meditation before continuing to Sabarimala
  • Stay Options: Basic lodges and pilgrim shelters available in Erumeli town

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