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This is a Extended part of the 3^rd part of the series, that is about the Traditional Trekking path. This article has details and significance of the privileges given to Alangadu and Ambalapuzha Yogams in Erumeli Petta Thullal (Click on the link for the 3rd Part of the series)

Petta Thullal during Makaravilakku and Traditions in Erumeli-Sabarimala

It is a long held and important tradition of two Yogams or Sanghams (Teams) one from Ambalapuzha (representing Ayyappa’s Mother, Bhagwan Vishnu as Mohini and represents Vaishnava Traditions) and another from Alangadu representing Ayyappa’s Father, Bhagwan Shiva as and represents Shaiva Traditions), to perform the petta thullal prior (End of Dhanur Masa) and reach Sannidhanam by Makarvilakku Festival (on 1st of Makara month). Both the Sanghams are formally welcomed with complete honor by the Temple authorities since these two places are closely linked to Ayyappa Purana. They have been officially conferred this status and privileges by Pandalam Royal family through a decree by the Pandalam Raja. This piece is written to get better insights and the significance of Petta Thullal Ritual.

Alangadu

Alangadu Chembola Kalari (Chembola Weaponry School) is where Manikanta practiced His arms and weapons training. It is part of the lore that Swami Ayyappa, helped by a team of Warriors from this Kalari and the troops from Ambalapuzha, fought a battle against Maravas and defeated them. Around 400 people from Alangadu participate in the formal Petta Thullal ritual in Erumeli. They begin their journey after worshipping in Kaambilli Shri Dharmasastha temple, the yogam’s main temple and family temple of Kaambilli Panikkar who had taught Swami Ayappa in combat tactics to defeat the marauder Udayanan who tried to destroy Sabarimala and Pandalam temples.

As advised by The Raja of Pandalam, the formation for the battle march was led by Ambalapuzha warriors in the front & under the leadership of Kochukadutha Swami (earlier known as Raman of Inchippara Kalari). This troop was followed by Swami Ayyappa (Manikanta). Backing Him was Alangadu Chebola Kalari Warriors. Signifying this sequence, even to this day, Petta Thullal is performed first by Ambalapuzha Sangham and then by Alangadu Sangham

All the warriors had assembled for an address by Swami Ayyappa on the banks of the river Periyar in Aluva. It was here that Swami Ayyappa swamy emphasized on the importance of the 41 day vratam being observed by every member of the Alangad Yogam, before embarking on to fight the powerful Udayanan, of Karimala Fort.

It is also believed that Swami Ayyappa never took up arms (Like Bhagwan Krishna in Mahabharata) but only led the Alangadu Warriors led by Kaambilli Panikkar. The troop marched on towards Karimala and as they crossed Perur Thodu (then the last Human settlement before dense forest began) for the 1st time the Sacred Sharana Ghosham “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa” was raised by Kaambilli Panikkar. To say it was their inspirational warcry would not be wrong either (It also worked well during the recent protest by Women in Kerala, participating in the Read-to-wait movement against violation of Sabarimala Traditions. Their peaceful protest were only by way of Nama Japa Yatras with Sharana Ghoshams. Finally the court and the Government had to give in to this Satvik warcry.)

Kaambilli Shree Dharma Shasta Temple

Once the avatara lakshya of Swami Ayyappa was complete and before merging with Shashta, Kaambilli warriors assembled on the shores of Pampa and He gave a Krishnashila (blackstone) directly by Swami Ayyappan Himself for installation in Kaambilli, Alangadu. They assembled on the banks of Pampa and as advised by & under Divine guidance of Swami Ayyappa, Murti was consecrated and Kambilli ‘Karanavar (head of the family) was then consecrated as ‘Rakshuss (Protector as in Raksha) and Devi as Bharadevata in the Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of this temple. For their selfless and long service Pandalam royalty presented them with Golaka (Silver replica of Shri Dharma Shasta) and a Blue Emblem that has Divine face of Swami Ayyappa on His mount Tiger. These emblems are used even today in the Petta Thullal of Alangadu Yogam

During the Pettakettu Alangad Yogam wear only white Dhoti and doesn’t smear themselves only with Vibhuti and Chandana and not with any color. They use Golaka and Kodi given by Pandalam Raja to Kambilli Chief. This flag and the Dharma Shasta Murti were maintained at Kambilli ancestral home for a long time until this shrine was completed and thereafter maintained in the temple under the watch of Kambilli Family. After completion of worship, this Yogam members proceed to Erumeli and on the way offer their worships at Temples in Aluva Manapuram, Perumbavoor, Kadapattur. The Petta-thullal by this group will be held the next day (27th Day of Dhanur Masa, usually January 12th or 13th) after a daylight star is sighted.

Ambalapuzha

Swami Ayyappa and Pandalam Kingdom was assisted in the battle against Udayavan of Karimala by Ambalapuzha Warriors along with Alangudi Warriors as mentioned earlier. Pandalama Raja in recognition of their services and also to honor the maternal lineage of Swami Ayyappa, confers on Ambalapuzha Yogam the Privilege to lead the Petta Thullal Sequence during Mandala Makaravillakku season.

Ambalappuzha Sangham begin their journey from Ambalapuzha to Erumely on 22nd day of Dhanur Maasa. Enroute they visit Manimala Kavu Bhagavathi temple on 25th day of Dhanur Maasa and performs an Aazhi Puja (A special Puja performed before setting out on Pilgrimage to Sabarimala).

The Sangha arrives to Erumeli thereafter and it is believed that on the morning of 27th of Dhanurmasa Bhagavan Krishna, the Presiding Deity at Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple, leaves Ambalapuzha temple, immediately after which the temple doors are closed and arrives in Erumeli on His Vahana Garuda in the skies to bless the Petta Thullal party from Ambalapuzha. This will be around 12.00 noon. Immediately thereafter the Ambalapuzha Sangham begin their Petta Thullal. The Amabalapuzha team uses green, black as well as kumkum color to paint their body.

Conclusion of Petta-Thullal

Ambalapuzha Yogam performs the Petta Thullal first, followed by Alangadu Yogam (towards evening once the Star is sighted). Thereafter, both the teams would then rest overnight in Erumeli Shree Dharma Shasta Temple (called Valiyambalam) and then proceed towards Pampa on the traditional trekking route. As per the customs, once Petta-thulla by Alangadu Yogam is completed, no one performs Petta-thullal in Erumeli for rest of the Mandala Makaravilakku season.