The word ‘Pavithram’ means ‘Durba’ grass/purifier and ‘mothiram’ means ring. ‘Pavithramothiram’, therefore, means a ring made of Durba grass (Pao Cynosuriodes) to purify men and materials.

In ancient times Brahmins used to wear pavithramothirams made of Durba grass while performing Yagnas/obsequies for the deceased to get their 'Karma' sanctified. Later, in the Malayalam year 1011 pavithramothiram was made in gold/silver instead of Durba grass as per the instructions of a Thanthri (Chief Priest) of Tharananallor Illam in Irinjalakuda, and the fact that the instruction was given directly to the CHOVATTA VALAPPIL family here in Payyanur assumes significance. The story behind this epoch-making event runs as follows:

During the course of Tippu Sultan's conquest, Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple at Payyanur was desecrated. Consequent upon this, the temple was renovated in the Malayalam year 1011 and the consecration ceremony was performed in the same year itself under the overall guidance of the above Thanthri, Sri. Tharananalloor Namboodiripad of Irinjalakuda. The consecration ceremony was conducted under the direct supervision of that Thanthri who happened to be a young boy of that Tharananalloor Illam as there was no adult male member then available in that family. This Brahmin prodigy, to the total surprise of everybody, performed his job perfectly with the very same style and precision of an experienced Thanthri by the full blessings of his mother and the Almighty. It was this Thanthri who entrusted the job of making a pavithramothiram in gold to late Kelappan Perumthattan who belonged to the above Chovatta Valappil family (C.V. family), as the Thanthri had practical difficulties in making temporary pavithramothirams of Durba grass during his hectic schedule of trikala poojas and also to prevent the consequent wrath of Mother Earth if the pavithramothiram happened to fall on the earth.

It is an established belief in accordance with the scriptures that the pavithramothiram has to be worn on the right ring finger only.

The five fingers of our hand represent the five elements of nature.

1. The Thumb represents VAYU (Air) and the smoke from the incandescent aromatic sticks like agarbathies.
2. The Index Finger stands for the SKY and the flowers.
3. The Middle Finger stands as a symbol of FIRE and Holy Lamp.
4. The Ring Finger represents WATER and
5. The Small Finger represents MOTHER EARTH and the Sandal Paste.

Further, the left side of our body represents the Ida Nadi and Lunar Arch, Right side Pingala Nadi and the Solar Arch and the Middle of our body represent the Sushumna Nadi and the fire. These peculiarities of our body are depicted in Pavithramothirams made of gold by way of three lines. The three lines on the Pavithramothiram do represent the above three Nadis viz. Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The knot at the centre by joining the above three lines indicates the glands in our body. This pavithra knot greatly helps to activate the Kundalini in our body to generate tremendous energy. There are three lines on each side of the pavithra knot and seven buds on each line. These seven buds stand for Seven Rishis (Ascetics) of the cosmos viz. Mareechi, Vasishta, Anginas, Athri, Pulasthian, Pulahan and Krathu. The three knobs just on the pavithra knot are the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The unique flattened knob adjacent to the pavithra knot at the beginning of the middle line is the planet Sun and a similar one at the end of the same line is the planet Moon. The three lines finally converge to the four knobs at the end, which represent the four Vedas viz. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.

By wearing a perfectly made Pavithramothiram, one can enhance his/her spiritual power and material wealth. Moreover, it helps to purify the mind and the body of the wearer thereby enabling him/her to lead a healthy, wealthy and prosperous life. Many celebrities and VIPs are wearing it as their prime source of inspiration and power. Ladies should avoid wearing it during their menstrual period.

The making of a Pavithramothiram is an art which requires great expertise and dedication and a total closeting of a minimum period of three days to complete a ring. The makers of the ring are the traditionally gifted artists belonging to the above C.V. family and they have to observe penance and strict discipline before and during the making. Hence, the making of Pavithramothirams in their traditional originality is the exclusive privilege of the above C.V. family. Once the work is completed a special pooja will be performed for each ring at Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Payyanur.

We also make Pavithravalas (bangles) for ladies in the same line of Pavithra mothirams with weights ranging from 24 gms to 32 gms and above.