Erumely Sree Dharmasastha Temple is an Ayyappa Swamy located on the banks of the Manimala River in Erumely town, Kottayam district, Kerala. The presiding deity here is Ayyappa Swamy and this temple plays an important role during the Sabarimala pilgrimage period. It is also an important meeting place for Sabarimala pilgrims. Erumely Ayyappa temple is 28 km from Pamba, 58 km from Kumarakom. The name Erumely is derived from Erumakolli (‘killed the buffalo’). According to mythology, Lord Ayyappa killed ‘Eruma’ in this place on the way to collect a tiger’s milk. ‘Eruma’ means buffalo in Malayalam and hence the name extract ‘erumakolli’. Erumely Sree Dharmasastha Temple is under Travancore Devaswom Board maintenance,
There are two temples in Erumely town. This temple is known as Valiyambalam and the other one is Kochambalam. Both temples are situated within 0.5 km of distance. The famous Erumely Pettathullal during the Sabarimala pilgrimage is performed near the Valiyambalam and Kochambalam. The Erumely ‘Vavar masjid’ is also located near the temple. Vavar was a close friend of Ayyappa. Pilgrims have the necessary facilities like accommodation, food and water at this temple, provided by Travancore Devaswom Board. ‘Tazhmon Mutt’ holds the tantric rights of the temple.
Petta Thullal is the most important event during the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
The annual festival (utsavam) is hosted in the month of February (Kumbham) for 10 days and is celebrated grandly.
Erumely Ayyappa Temple Timings 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM:
Erumely Dharma Sastha Temple Address:
Erumeli town,
Kottayam District,
Kerala – 686509.