The frenzied dancing en route to a divine presence

Sabarimala is a leading pilgrim centre of Kerala in South India, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.

While it is basically a Hindu temple, the legend of the temple is also associated with a Muslim leader by the name of Vavar who was a trusted friend of Lord Ayappa, the presiding deity of the temple at Sabarimala.

Pilgrims visit the mosque devoted to Vavar at Erumely on the way to Sabarimala. Erumely also has a Sastha temple, which is near the Vavar mosque.

Erumely Petta Thullal is a form of frenzied dancing by the devotees on their way to Sabarimala.