Monday, August 15, 2016

Erumeli Vavar Masjid


Erumeli is a small town, 60 kms north east of Kottayam town. Erumeli is the gateway to the Sabarimala temple. Vavar also known as Vavaraswami.Vavar was the friend and companion of Lord Ayyappa, the deity in Sabarimala temple. The pilgrims going this way to Sabarimala halt here and give offering to Vavar by way of breaking coconuts on a stone by throwing on it. Thousands of pilgrims join the procession of Petta Thullal which is believed that the re-enactment of the annihilation of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa.

The devotion of Vavaraswami to Ayyappan and the key role that the Islamic Masjid has in the Ayyappa Pilgrimage, highlights the communal harmony in Kerala. The devotion of Vavaraswami also highlights the relevance of Ayyappa devotion for members of all faiths, and the equality shown to all, whether they are Muslims, Hindus or Christians.

The Chandanakudam festival of this mosque is very famous and well celebrated in Januvary coincides with the Makaravilakku festival of Sabarimala. Every pilgrim to Sabarimala visit this mosque in respect of Ayyappa and Vavar.

How to reach

Nearest railway station:  Kottayam Railway Station

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport