Payyanur

Payyanur is a town in Kannur district of Kerala at the northern part, North Malabar region, state of Kerala, India. This municipality consists of three administrative villages: Vellur, Korom and Payyanur. Other villages are: Annur and Kokkanissery. The town is situated on the banks of Perumba River.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Payyanur had a population of 68,711. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Payyanur has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 80%. In Payyanur, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Etymology

The place derives its name from the renowned Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple located here. Payyan is an appellation of Lord Subrahmanya and ooru means "the place". Thus Payyanur means the land of Lord Subrahmanya. Payyanur is also well known for astrology, Pavithra Mothiram, art forms like Theyyam and Poorakkali, and historical movements at the time of freedom struggle. It is considered as the world hub of astrology sometimes.