Long ago Poomalika Pookani was the princess of Aryanad. Oneday when she went to collect flowers for her prayers to worship a diety named Poora, she fell unconscious. The king called many vaidhyars (Doctors) to treat her, but all failed. At last The King called the astrologer. The astrologer told that there was the presence of Bhagavathi (Goddess) in her. As per his advice the King decided to send
her to Malanad. At that time she regained her consciousness back. She started her journey to Malanad in a Marakkalam (Boat) with her friend Poomaruthan and she reached the harbor at Ezhimala. From there she bowed in curtsy to Sankaranarayanan (Lord Vishnu). After that she went to Payyanur Perumal (Lord Subramanya) and bowed in curtsy to him also. Then she reached the place named Kanakath and there she was consecrated. Before the Mambalam Temple was constructed the people of that place belonging to Thiyya (Ezhava community) worshipped the Goddess of Kanakath. 200 years ago, due to the problems that occurred in the worship, they decided to built a temple at the place named Mambalam ( 2km away from Payyanur town [South-West] and 1/2 km on East side from Payyanur Rly. Station ). As per their belief, they brought flame from the Deepam(lamp) to Mambalam from Kanakath and built the temple