Erumely – A Symbol of Communal Harmony

The way to Sabrimala that makes truly unique is the halt at the small town of Erumely. Even though the pilgrimage is mostly commenced by Hindus is considered incomplete without a prayer at the mosque in Erumely, the gateway to Sabarimala. The ayyappa devotees have to first get blessings from Vavar, who is the Muslim friend of Lord Ayyappa to get Lord’s blessings. So all Ayyappas need to visit and pray at the mosque and then only leave for Sabarimala. The famous 'Pettathullal', a kind of mass spiritual dance perform by Ayyappa devotee’s starts from the small temple situated at the heart of Erumely town known as 'Kochambalam'. All Ayyappas on their way to Sabarimala queue up at the mosque to get the consent of Vavar, the deity at the mosque and the Muslims here take pride in this age-old tradition. It is little wonder then that the small town of Erumely is now standing tall for promoting communal harmony in its unique way. The only one village in the entire nation where both Hindus and Muslims live happily together and pray together, it’s just here. Erumely, the small town in Kerala is so proud of this. This eventually depicts the traditional importance of communal strength throughout the devotees coming different parts of the nation. The place highlights the relevance of Ayyappa devotion for members of all faiths religious unity, whether they are Muslims, Hindus or Christians.