Among the Subramanya Swami temples of Kerala, the one at Payyannur occupies the first position due to its size and fame.  The main deity of the temple is Subramanya Swamy, with an idol 6ft tall.  Facing the Sreekovil is the Mandapa where there is a ‘peedam’ and ‘Axe’ representing Sree Parasurama Swamy as the Sub deity.  Outside the Nalambala ‘Pradikshina’ pathway are the shrines dedicated to the sub-deities Sree Maha Ganapathy, Dharma Shasta, Sree Kanya Bhagawathy and Bhoothatar. The rituals of this temple are special and different from that of the other temples.  Due to the presence of Sree Parasurama, it is said that all Royal extravagance is more avoided.  Among the 64 villages of Kerala created by Parasurama, Payyannur is considered to be the foremost and the Lord of this place Sree Subramanya Swamy is worshipped as Payyannoor ‘Perumal’.  For the Devotees the Perumal grants all their wishes.  The legend is that in all the famous Subramanya Swami Temples, Palani, Payyannoor and Subramanyath the installation ceremony was performed at the same time.  The temple is surrounded by a wall 12 feet high and 5 feet in width and surrounds 3 acres and 37 cents of land.  No documents are available to decide how ancient the temple is.  It is said that the temple we see at present is more than 250 years old.  The previous temple was reduced to ashes due to a great fire and in its place, the present temple was reconstructed.  The tanthris of this temple belong to the Tarananalloor Tantric family.  The family belongs to Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district. The Tantri is chosen from ‘The Thekkiniyedath Tarana Nalloor family.  The temple is under the HR and CE Board.  The Executive Officer appointed by the Board is the Administrator. One can reach the temple by road from Kannur town via NH 17 through Payyannur town 1 km south.  From nearby District Kasaragode town 60 km south. By Railway from Payyannur railway station 1½ km east.