Achankovil Sastha Temple

The Achankovil Sastha Temple stands near the Achankovil River in Aryankavu panchayat, Kollam district, about 50 km from Punalur and 85 km from Kollam. It is one of Kerala's five major Sastha temples, with Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala and Kanthamala, and Parashurama is believed to have consecrated its idol. The Travancore Devaswom Board runs it. Sastha, known locally as Achankovil Andavan or Arasan, is shown as a householder with his consorts Purna and Pushkala.

The temple is known for traditional treatment of snakebite, the deity being regarded as a great physician. His right palm holds sandalwood paste and holy water believed to have healing power, and the temple will open at night if needed: a person bitten by a snake can ring the bell at any hour, and the priests give sandalwood paste and herbal medicine, with a stay of three to five days. The Mandala Puja is held from the first to the tenth of Dhanu (December–January).