Since 1932
Lakshmi Jewellery
Payyanur
Trusted Makers of Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram
Founded in 1932 by Chovatta Valappil Kunhikannan, from the lineage of Chovatta Valappil Kelappan — the artisan who crafted the very first Pavithra Mothiram — we hold the proud distinction of being Payyanur’s first jewellers. For generations, Lakshmi Jewellery has been the original and trusted maker of the Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram. Handcrafted with precision, each ring reflects centuries of tradition, heritage, and fine craftsmanship. Our legacy continues as the authentic source for this timeless symbol of cultural heritage.
BIS & HUID Hallmarked
Every piece is certified for purity and authenticity
Traditional Jewellery
Specialised in in crafting traditional ornaments.
Authentic Craftsmanship
Handcrafted with skill passed down through generations
Jewellery Care & Repairs
Expert repair & maintenance to keep jewellery shining like new
Insured Delievry
75 years of delivering across India, now available abroad
Traditional Artifacts
Items like lamps, idols, vessels etc in silver, brass, & bronze
Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram
History & Origin
Payyanur Pavitra Ring — a ring beautifully crafted, intricately detailed, and entirely handmade — was born not just as an ornament. The Payyanur Pavitra Ring, holds within its golden form the legacy of the Payyanur Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, and the history that shaped it.
Centuries ago, during Tipu Sultan’s military campaigns in the 1780s, the Payyanur Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple was among those destroyed. Years later, efforts to restore the temple were initiated by 16 family groups — including members from Thazhekkaattumana and Kunnathumana families. These efforts culminated in the reconsecration ceremony, which was finally held in 1836. The reconsecration ceremony was led by a young Thantri from Tharanalloor illam in Irijalakuda.
In these rituals, a vital element was the Darbha or Kusha grass ring — called the Pavitra ring, As per hindu tradition, it represents Purity and is worn during various rituals.
The young Thanthri had practical difficulties in making Pavitra rings of Darbha grass during his hectic schedule of trikala poojas. There was also a ritual concern – if a Pavitra ring made of darbha grass were to untie and fall to the ground, it would disrupt the sanctity of the ceremony.
The young Thanthri needed a solution. He entrusted the task to a local goldsmith — Kelappan Perumthattan of the Chovatta Valappil family, Payyanur. His request was historic: “Forge the Pavitra ring in gold.”
What emerged was no ordinary ring. The first golden Pavitra ring was forged with devotion and crafted with care – A sacred ring, made eternal. This ring is traditionally worn after a special “Pavitra Pooja” conducted exclusively at the Payyanur Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple.
Today, the Payyanur Pavitra ring reflects a unique blend of cultural heritage, tradition, fine craftsmanship, and timeless identity. Over time, the form of the Payyanur Pavitra ring has also inspired new expressions — it has been adapted into Pavitra bangles, symbolizing tradition and artistry carried forward.
And since 1932, this sacred tradition has lived on through Lakshmi Jewellery, Payyanur which was founded by the late Chovatta Valappil Kunjikkannan, from the lineage of Chovatta Valappil Kelappan — the artisan who crafted the very first Pavithra Mothiram.
Symbolic Representation
The design of the Pavithra Mothiram symbolizes key concepts from Hindu philosophy. The ring is comprised of a few key features:
- Nadi : There are three lines on each side of the Pavitra knot. They represent the Iḍā nāḍī, Piṅgalā nāḍī, and Suṣumṇā nāḍī. In yogic traditions, the body is said to have several nāḍīs (subtle energy channels). Out of these, these are the three most important. These concepts of our body are depicted on the Pavithra Mothiram through these three lines.
- Pavithra Knot : The intricate knot at the center of the ring, where the three lines converge, is known as the Pavitra Knot representing the Darbha or Kusha grass knot. It symbolizes the body’s glands which is associated with Kundalini energy.
- Trinity : The three small knobs directly on the Pavitra Knot represent the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- The Sun : The flattened knob just near the Pavitra knot on the middle line symbolizes the Sun.
- The Moon : The flattened knob on the far end of the middle line represents the Moon.
- Saptarishis : On each of the three lines, there are seven knobs. These seven knobs on each line represent the Saptarishis – Marichi, Vasishta, Angiras, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu.
- Four Vedas : Finally, the three lines converge at the very end into four knobs, which symbolize the Four Vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
Authentic Craftsmanship
The crafting of a Pavithra Mothiram is an art form rooted in tradition. For generations, the exclusive privilege of making these rings has belonged to the Chovatta Valappil family. Our artisans dedicate a minimum of three days to each piece, observing strict discipline and dedication during the entire process. This unwavering commitment is what ensures the ring’s unique and authentic originality.
Types of Pavithra Mothiram
The Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram is traditionally classified into seven types, derived from the Full Pavithram and its six weight divisions. In earlier times, the Full Pavithram was measured as 101 പണത്തൂക്കം (Panathookkam) — a traditional unit of quantity once widely used in Kerala. Since this system is no longer in practice, today the ring is identified by its equivalent weight in grams. The Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram is crafted in different sizes to suit individual needs.
Types of Pavithram
Weight (in grams)
Full Pavithram
38.500 g
3/4 Pavithram
28.900 g
1/2 Pavithram
19.250 g
3/8 Pavithram
14.450 g
1/4 Pavithram
9.650 g
3/16 Pavithram
7.250 g
1/8 Pavithram
4.850 g
How to Order Payyanur Pavithram
Every Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram is crafted to order, ensuring authenticity and precision in every piece. The usual crafting time is 2–3 weeks from the date of confirmation.
To confirm your order, please provide:
- Preferred ring weight (see the chart above)
- Right-hand ring finger size (measured at your nearby jeweller)
- Type of ring sizer used — plastic or metal
Orders can be collected directly from our store in Payyanur or shipped safely through our insured delivery service across India and abroad. Rings can be sanctified at Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Payyanur. If you can’t visit, we can take your ring for pooja on your behalf.
Our Products
Explore our collection of timeless creations — from the sacred Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram and Pavithra Bangles to traditional gold jewellery and handcrafted artifacts in silver, brass, and bronze. Each piece reflects heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity passed down through generations.
ABOUT
Chovatta Valappil Kunhikannan
07.11.1909 - 03.09.1984
(Born to late Kelu and Cheayayi)
Founded in 1932 by the late Chovatta Valappil Kunjikkannan, Lakshmi Jewellery holds the proud distinction of being the first jewellers in Payyanur. Later it was modified in 1982 by renaming it as the present ‘Lakshmi Jewellery’, a name that continues to embody the values and traditions we were built upon.
For over nine decades, we have carried forward a legacy of trust, authenticity, and fine craftsmanship, earning the faith of generations of customers.
As the original makers of the Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram, we take pride in preserving this heritage while also specialising in a wide range of traditional jewelry and products.
At Lakshmi Jewellery, every piece we craft is more than an ornament — it is a symbol of tradition preserved and trust cherished.
Testimonials
The trust we’ve built since 1932 is reflected in the words of our customers. Heartfelt reviews and experiences shared by our customers inspire us to keep our tradition alive. Explore what our community has to say about Lakshmi Jewellery and the Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram.
