Raktakandaswamy is a god worshipped in Hindu temples in Kerala. The deity is also known as Arathakandan. This form is only worshipped in Kerala and people believe that this is Ayyappa or Sastha.
It is believed that Raktakandaswamy blesses and helps devotees in achieving victory in battles. This deity is today worshipped for wish fulfillment, to overcome fear, to solve sleep related issues and to mitigate fears of ghost and other evil spirits.
One comes across couple of Arthakandan Kavukal in South Kerala. These are sacred groves dedicated to the deity.
The most famous temple dedicated to Raktakandaswamy is located
at Omalloor in Pathanamthitta district (Kerala). The temple
is 4 km south of Pathanamthitta town.
Many devotees going to Sabarimala visit the shrine as this is rarest of rare forms of Ayyappa.