Punalur: Though it might sound strange, the countless testimonials of devotees vouch for the fact that Achankovil temple offers magical cure for all types of poisonous snake bites.
The chief priest offers the water from the temple well to the snake bite victims apart from applying sandal wood paste on the bitten area.
Situated 40 kms from Nilambur, this temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is set amidst thick woods. Persons who are engaged in logging in the thick jungles nearby are often bitten by highly venomous snakes. No matter whether it is dawn, dusk or midnight, the devotees can ring the temple bell to alert the priest who will rush to the aid of the victims in no time. Records say that nobody has ever died of snake bites in these holy precincts.
It is interesting to note that Kerala not only has some fabled temples dedicated to Dhanwantharii -the Physician of Gods but also a handful of temples for the treatment of diseases as well.
