This is a lovely purple white-hued flower which is popularly used for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is also known as akanda and is infact a poisonous flower.
Crown Flower, is one of the favourite flowers of Lord Shiva. According to the Shiv Puran, ekkada hoovu is very dear to Lord Shiva. Thus, when one offers ekkada or its garland to Lord Shiva, he or she is blessed with prosperity, peace, and stability in his/her life.
It is believed that ekkada is a poisonous flower and like the datura flowers, it has an intoxicating effect. Thus, devotees of Lord Shiva offer him both the flowers together to make Him happy and get his blessings.