Erumeli Petta Thullal ritual on January 11

Sabarimala: The customary Erumeli Petta Thullal, one of the important rituals as part of the annual Makaravilakku festival, will be celebrated at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha temple on January 11.

Petta Thullal, marking the memory of Lord Ayyappa's victory over demon Mahishi, will be undertaken by Ambalappuzha and Alangattu teams from Erumeli Kochchambalam to Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha temple.

Both the teams come to Sabarimala every year after following extensive rituals and traditional customs.

The 'petta thullal' of Ambalapuzha group commences around forenoon after a 'krishnaparunthu' (eagle) is sighted in the sky from the small temple (Kochambalam) at Erumeli.

The group moves on to the mosque of 'Vavar' to pay their respects. The party is ceremonially received at the mosque.

A representative of Vavar Swamy will then accompany the group to the big temple (Valiambalam).

The petta thullal by Aalangadu group takes place a few hours later. The Aalangadu group does not go the mosque of Vavar Swami as they believe that Vavar Swami, whose permanent base is Erumeli, has left the mosque with the group from Ambalapuzha.

The temple authorities will receive the teams and the representative of Vavaruswami at the gates of the Erumeli Shasta Temple.