Pavithra Mothiram - Payyanur, Kerala
Jewelry is like a history teller for India. From the time the country is originated jewelry is taken an enormous part in living. From grass, stones to gems each jewelry got a story to say. Jewelry has been an acknowledgement for human life in various aspects of life like in spirituality, religious, ritual, cultural, astrologically, celebrational, occasional, ornamental, adornments, reputational, embellishment of oneself and many more. As we all know India is a diverse country in culture, likewise making of a jewelry differs from one place to another. Identification of an individual can be made with the help of the jewelry worn because each place has its own unique style and form.
Jewelry is bifurcated in many categories like finger rings, nose rings, ear rings, anklets, bangles, necklaces and various types of ornaments to enhance oneself. Each category has its own importance of being worn with a scientific reason. Gold has been most essential metal in jewelry making from long time. Gold is used so that the sustainability of the ornament is more, which likely replaces few ritual ornaments like pavithra mothiram from Darbha (grass) to gold.
Pavithra mothiram is a traditional ring worn while performing the rituals. Pavithra means pure and mothiram means ring and that is how the name occurred, it is a yogic influence of purifying the mind and body which leads to physical and mental health. Previously paithra mothiram was made out of Darbha (grass). Darbha is a sacred holy plant which helps in absorbing the ill-radiations around and generates positive energy. The more number of Darbha leaves used in making of ring increases the sustainable power of the person. To make pavithra mothiram ring out of darbha grass and disposing it after the usage was regretful, hence the artisan was instructed to make the ring out of purified gold. The gold ring is sent for the consecration in temple and then given to the person who will perform the traditional ritual. It is said that the person who makes and wears the ring is supposed to maintain the spiritual discipline, like not consuming non-vegetarian food and to be teetotalers. Since in most of the Tantric and Vedic rituals like in theyajnas, pujas and homas are performed in the right hand, the ring is worn to the ring finger of the right hand.
The traditional pavithra mothiram, darbha grass ring is rehabilitated into permanent gold and silver ring for the first time in Payyanur, Kerala. Devotees of Payyanur Sri Subrahmanya Swami temple are over whelmed with the spiritual benefit gained by wearing the auspicious ring made out of gold and silver. Sri Subrahmanya Swami temple, Payyanur, was renovated and re-installed the Vigraham (Idol) in the year 1838 which is when an tantric shared the idea and possibilities of making the pavithra mothinram ring in gold to a goldsmith, Sri Kelappan Perunthattan of Chowatta Valappil family. The Artisan successfully made the ring with all the tantric ritual and guidance made by the tantri with all vibrant and spiritual powers. Hence making of the pavithra ring became the tradition and convention of the Chowatta Valappil family in Payyanur, Kerala. Further generations have carried out this tradition of making Pavithra Mothiram successfully and gaining more popularity by sons and grandson Mr Kunhambu Sarap. Mr C V Jayachandran son of Mr Kunhambu is presently practicing this wonderful tradition of craftmenship and sustains the quality of work. Thekkeniyedathu Tharanellur Pathmanabhan Unni Namboodiripad, Tantri of Sree Subhramanya Swami Temple, Payyanur, Kerala certifies that the Pavithra Mothiram is a sacred ring authenticated to be made only by Chowatta Valappi family.
