The most important and sacred 'Prathal' is the main offering to Vaikathappan, lord Shiva enshrined at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. The first leaf on which the offering is made,is placed in the Manya Sthana in front of the deity before distribution. To give Prathal as an offering and consuming the Prathal distributed as prasad is considered auspicious. It is expected to redeem the devotee of all accumulated sins.