The principal deity of the temple is Shasta.[5] He is locally known as "Achankovil Andavan" or "Achankovil Arasan".[4][6] Shasta is depicted as a Gṛhastha (householder), along with his two consorts, Purna and Pushkala, on either side.[7]
Achankovil temple is known for curing poisonous snakebites,[7] and the deity is considered a Maha Vaidya (great physician).[9] The right palm of the Shasta idol holds Шаблон:Lang (sandalwood paste) and Theertham (holy water), which according to the devotees have medicinal properties.[10] This is one of the rare temples that opens at night if necessary after the Шаблон:Lang. Those who get bitten by snakes can call for help at any time by ringing the temple bell, and the temple priests will help them.[11][7] The person bitten by the snake is given sandalwood paste as prasadam and medicine and needs to stay at the temple for three or five days, depending on the severity of the poison.[8]
Festivals
The Шаблон:Lang is one of the important festivals in the temple. It is held every year from the first to the tenth day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (DecemberШаблон:En dashJanuary).[2]Шаблон:Lang is another main festival hosted in the Malayalam month of Шаблон:Lang (JanuaryШаблон:En dashFebruary). The temple is also one of the important temples in Kerala to conduct the Шаблон:Lang (chariot festival).[11]Шаблон:Lang and Шаблон:Lang are the major attractions during the festival time. The festivals and rituals have similarity to the Tamil traditions.[6]
