A rare 19th century South Indian holy ‘Pavithra’ knot ring, crafted in high-karat gold.

This unusual and culturally significant gold ring displays an interlinked knot motif at the centre, known as a ‘Pavithra’. Traditionally, these types of rings were made of holy ‘Darba’ grass for use in Hindu Brahmanic ceremonies and on auspicious occasions; worn as a protective amulet to frighten away evil spirits.

The story of the first Pavithra ring to be made from gold goes back to the mid-19th century in the town of Payyanur in Kerala (South India). At the time, an ancient 1000-year old temple, the Payyannur Subramanya Temple (one of the most famous Lord Subramanya temples in the State) had just finished being renovated after it had been badly damaged by the invading armies of Tippu Sultan in 1788. The priests of this temple desired a ring more durable and practical than their grass creations, which had to be painstakingly woven every time rites were performed. They also felt regret and guilt every time the holy grass had to be disposed of after use. The task of creating one in gold was particularly challenging, however once the temple was re-built in the year 1838, they instructed a talented local goldsmith to make a Pavithram ring from gold.

The tradition of making these rings continued, the highly-guarded technique kept alive by each of the goldsmiths descendants for centuries, and it still exists today, giving birth to the name ‘Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram’. It is said that ring takes three days to be completed, and once it is made, the goldsmith must take it to the temple to be sanctified. The three layers or curvy structural lines in the design of the knot represent three rivers of the human body namely Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, and the combination is said to awaken a form of divine energy known as Kundalini Sakthi. Highly revered for its ritualistic value, the ring is often worn during the rituals of ‘pithru bali’, or the prayer for the dead ancestors of the wearer. According to the belief of Payyannur Hindus, the wearing of the sacred ring can awaken the power of three gods of Hinduism; Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.

The present example probably dates from around the late 19th century. It is luxuriously handcrafted in solid 22K gold and weighs a good 10.55 grams. Despite its impressive age, the ring is in good and wearable condition.

UK size I 1/2 , US size 4.25 

The bezel measures approximately 13mm by 15mm. The band measures 5.5mm across at the back.