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Azhutha River on the way from Erumeli to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Azhutha River is a tributary of Pampa River and Ayyappa Devotees who travel from Erumeli to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple has to cross this river in their journey. Once the pilgrim starts the trek from Erumeli, Azhutha is the sixth important spot after Kottapadi, Poongavanam, Perurthodu, Erumunikkara, and Kalaketti.

Azhutha River is around two kilometer from Kalaketti. Ayyappa Devotees take bath in the river and collect stones and pebbles from the river. This stones are later deposited on Kalidamkunnu which is on the way to Ayyappa Temple. The belief is that Lord Ayyappa buried the dead body of Demon Mahishi here and placed stones on top of the dead body. Devotees drop stones from Azhutha River in memory of this event.

When there is not much water devotees walk across the Azhutha River. But when the River is in full flow it is hard to cross the river and devotees use country boats to cross the river.

The Azhutha River is surrounded by thick forest and after crossing the river there is a steep trek.