Thevarkunnu Siva Temple
Thevarkunnu Siva Temple is a Swayamboo (Self Manifested) Temple situated at Manganam, Kottayam. Hence this temple is also known as Swayamboo Siva Temple. The Deity of any land or locality is called "Thevaru" in Local slang.
The temple is considered to be around a 1000 year old. Local history states that The Temple is owned and maintained by Plappally Illom in Manganam Village.It is believed that once a Tribal Woman was searching for "Arrow Root" on the western side of Pllappally Illom with the help of an Iron Rod. Suddenly the rod struck a stone and blood started oozing from the stone. The Tribal woman suddenly felt a" Divine Presence" in the stone and immediately informed the people of Plappally Illom and disappeared into the river flowing nearby.It is also believed that this woman was none other than Goddess Parvathi transformed as a Tribal woman to show the presence of this "Divine Stone" to the people of Plappally Illom. This Tribal woman is also worshiped as a Goddess in the eastern side of the Temple.
Siva is worshiped along with his wife Goddess Parvathy. It is said that Siva & Parvathy are in a pleasant mood and they clear the path of any obstacles. Hence devotees come here to remove obstacles for marriage and also to get a suitable life partner.
Location
Manganam
Main Deity
Lord Siva & Goddess Parvathy
Other Deities
Parathur Thevar, Goddess Bhadrakali, Sarpakkavu (Naga Devatas) & Rakshas(Holy Spirit)
Festivals
Maha Sivarathri and Vinayaka Chathurthi.
Main Offerings
Mrithyunjaya Archana, IlaneerAbhishekam (Abhishekam with Cocunut water), Mrithyunjayahomam, Uma Maheswara Pooja, Swayamvararchana, Ganapathi Homam
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 96.5 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station is 4 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kottayam KSRTC Bus Stand is 6.5 KM from the Temple.