Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram- A Timeless Ornament made with a Divine Touch

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Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram (Image Courtesy: https://pavithramothiram.com/)

Ornaments and their design motifs often serve as tangible links to the social and cultural history of past civilizations. From a Vedic ritualistic perspective, specific rings like the Pavithra Mothiram are worn because people view them as carriers of energy and provide spiritual protection to priests and devotees alike.

One of the most prominent examples of such ornaments is the divine rings of Payyanur, also called Payyanur Pavitra Mothiram. It is a sacred ring holding immense spiritual and cultural significance in northern Kerala.

Not just a fashion accessory

Perumba River (Image Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Rooted in deep tradition, this simple yet profound piece of jewelry tells a story of intricate craftsmanship and an enduring connection to spiritual beliefs.

Dedicated to the Lord Subramanya (Karthikeya), the origins of the Pavitra Mothiram trace back to the Sree Subrahmanya Swami temple at Payyanur. Located on the banks of the Perumba River, Payyanur is a small municipality in the Kannur district. In the past, numerous travelers like Ibn Battuta, Abul Fida, Marco Polo and Nicolo Conti have written about Payyanur and its surrounding ports in their travel chronicles.

The term Pavitra Mothiram is derived from two words- Pavithram, meaning pure or sacred in Sanskrit, and Mothiram, meaning finger-ring.

(Image Courtesy: Kerala Tourism)

People customarily wear the sacred ring on the right hand during religious rituals. The Pavitra Mothiram is believed to possess the power to bring luck and frighten evil spirits. Furthermore, the ring is known for its knot design (Pavithrakettu). The intricately designed knot carved on the ring is the symbolic representation of the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Historical Origins

In earlier days, artisans crafted these sacred rings from Darbha grass (Scientific name: Demostachya bipinnata). Hindus believe that Darbha grass was the first plant created by Gods and hence has the power to purify everything it touches.

As per legends, in the 19th century, during the renovation of the Sree Subrahmanya Swami temple, the priest asked the temple authorities to make Pavithra Mothiram in gold. The priest conveyed the secret technique of making the ring to Kelappan Perunthattan, a goldsmith from Chuvatta Valappil family. Subsequently, his descendants have successfully continued the tradition of making the Pavithra Mothiram.

Sree Subrahmanya Swami temple ((Image Courtesy: Temples in North Kerala)

The Art of Crafting

It takes three days of hard labour to make a Pavithra ring. While making this ring, its makers strictly adhere to specific spiritual disciplines. Additionally, the makers of the ring are pure vegetarians and have to stay away from alcohol.

Making of Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram (Image Courtesy: D’source)

After successfully crafting the ring, its makers take it to the Sree Subrahmanya Swami temple for consecration.

What does the knot represent?

According to a research study titled-Narration on ethnic jewelry of Kerala: focusing on design inspiration and morphology of motifs, the knot on the ring is known as Brahma Grandhi (a psychic knot).

The Brahma Grandhi -a psychic knot (Image Courtesy: Kerala GI Products)

In Hindu Yogic Philosophy, Nadis are an important concept. The three layers or curvy structural lines in the design of the knot represent three principal Nadis of the human body- Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. Amongst these channels, the Sushumna is considered the root of all Nadis. The Ida Nadi is associated with lunar energy, whereas the Pingala Nadi is with solar energy. Because of its uniquely crafted design, the Pavithra Mothiram helps activate spiritual energies in the body and unblocks the channels for releasing kundalini.

Ida, Pingala and Sushumna Nadi (Image Courtesy: Sahaja Yoga)

According to CV Jayachandran, master craftsman and descendent of the first goldsmith, wearers of the ring attain rare purity. Once worn, the five fingers of the right hand represent the five elements of nature– fire, air, water, earth and sky. Additionally, Jayachandran states that the design motif on the ring signifies the Sapta-Rishis, Sapta-Matrikas and the four Vedas.

Present Scenario

Late CV Kunhambu Sarap making the Pavithra Mothiram (Image Courtesy: https://pavithramothiram.com/)

With the emergence of modern manufacturing methods, artisanal techniques, once passed down through generations of skilled artisans, are fading away. C V Kunhambu Sarap (grandson of Kelappan Perunthattan) helped sustain the craft of making the Pavithra Mothiram. The state government bestowed several accolades on him for his efforts in preserving the craft. Currently, his heirs keep the tradition alive and produce the sacred ring on demand.

In 2004, Payyannur Pavithra Ring Artisans and Development Society was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Payyanur Pavitra Mothiram. However, it was revoked in 2012 because many other groups staked their claim.

Today, despite the tussle over its GI tag, there is a surge in demand for these rings. It continues to be a significant part of rituals and spiritual practices. Moreover, many purchase the Payyanur Pavitra Mothiram for its symbolic value or as a piece of heirloom jewellery.