Erumeli Route

The Erumeli Path

Taking the Erumeli path to climb the Karimala hill and trek through the dense forest in order to reach the Sannidhanam is most likely to be a very unforgettable experience in the life of any Ayyappa devotee. The two-day trek through wild growth has the power to stir up spiritual energy because it involves walking over stones and thorns for nearly 50 km of dirt tracks up and down hillocks, barefoot.  This trekking experience reminds the devotees of the march made by Lord Ayyappa and his army over this terrain, after defeating and killing Mahishi.

 Erumeli

Legend has it that the word ‘Erumeli’ is the shortened form of Erumakolli [the place where a buffalo (eruma in Malayalam) or Mahishi was killed by Lord Ayyappa].  According to one version, Erumeli petta thullal is celebrated in order to commemorate the victory that Lord Ayyappa’s army gained over their enemy.

 Perur Canal

Perur Canal is one of the important landmarks that devotees come across as they take the jungle track from Erumeli to the Sannidhanam.  Beyond it lies Poonkavanam, the sacred grove, which is on level ground.  Kanni Ayyappans [or first-time pilgrims to the Sannidhanam] take bath in this canal, and feed rice powder to the fish as a kind of offering.  Close by is located a Ganapathy temple.

 Irumboonikkara

This place is located between the Perur Canal and the Sannidhanam.   It is believed that Lord Ayyappa and his army hid their weapons in this area.  Temples dedicated to Lords Shiva, Muruga and Balarama are situated inside the forest.  Devotees are required to collect passes issued by the Department of Forests to proceed beyond Irumboonikkara.

 Araashumudikotta

The meaning of Araashumudikotta is “the king’s fort”.  According to a popular story, after defeating Udayan, the forest bandit, Lord Ayyappa annexed the fort to the territory under the Karimala administration.  This place features small temples dedicated to Lords Ayyappa and Muruga.

 Kaalaketti

This place is six kilometres from the Perur Canal.  It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy stood here to witness the killing of Mahishi.  The divine couple had come here, riding a bull (kaala in Malayalam) and they tied (ketti in Malayalam) it to a tree.  This was how the place got its name.  There are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy and Lord Ganapathy here.

 Azhuthanadi

Azhuthanadi is a level ground, two kilometres from Kaalaketti.  Azhutha is a tributary of the Pamba river.  Devotees take a dip in the Azhutha, pick up a pebble (kallu in Malayalam) from the river bed, and proceed to climb the Kallidaamkunnu (‘the hill where pebbles are thrown’).  Beyond the Azhutha, is a truly wild territory haunted by animals.  For that reason, pilgrims are not permitted to cross it after sundown.

 Kallidaamkunnu

A red clay path leads from the Azhutha.  After a two-kilometre ascent, devotees reach a point from where they discard the pebbles picked up from the Azhutha.  This practice is carried out because it is believed that the mortal remains of Mahishi were cast off here and covered with stones. Another interpretation suggests that the pebbles symbolize the past sins of pilgrims, which they leave at this site.

 Inchipparakotta

This is also an ascent.  It is the place where Karuppa Swami’s and Udayan’s bands of thieves were engaged in a battle.  This is also the place where Puthusseri Mundan, a loyal aide of Udayan’s, was killed by Lord Ayyappa’s army.  A Shasta temple is situated here, and the deity is known as Kottayil Shasta.

 Mukkuzhi

Mukkuzhi is the next major resting spot after the devotees cross the Azhutha river.  The trek from Inchippara to Mukkuzhi is down a hill and through a forest.  It is believed that Lord Ayyappa and his men rested here.  Devotees resting here after their trek can avail of medical facilities here, if required.  There are two temples in this place, one dedicated to Shasta and the other to Bhagavathi.

 Karimala

The trek from Mukkuzhi is further downhill through Puthusserithodu and along the Kariyilam canal.  A three-kilometre walk ends at the foothills of Karimala.  Devotees offer dry leaves to Lord Ganapathy.  The climb up the Karimala is the most arduous part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.  The ascent is steep, and can be scaled only in seven stages. 

 At its summit lies a flat terrain ideal for pilgrims to rest. Of particular interest is the Nazhikkinar, a well, known for its fresh water. Additionally, there is a small temple dedicated to Karimala Nathan, Kochu Kadutha, and Karimala Bhagavathi.  After the climb, it is downhill all the way.

 Valiyaanavattom, Cheriyaanavattom

Climbing down the Karimala, one reaches Valiyaanavattom that is close to the Pamba river.  There are good facilities here.  Devotees can stretch their limbs before undertaking the trek again.  Their next destination will be Cheriyaanavattom, by the banks of the Pamba.  What lies further ahead is the Neelimala hill.