The name given to the inhabitants of Pāvā - e.g., Pāveyyakā Mallā (E.g., D.ii.165).
Pāvā was evidently a centre of Buddhist activity even during the lifetime of the Buddha, and mention is made of Pāveyyaka monks in the Vinaya (E.g., Vin.i.253). During the time of the Vajjiputta heresy, it was the Pāveyyakā who upheld the true doctrine, their leaders being Revata, Sambhūta Sānavāsī, Yasa Kākandakaputta and Sumana (Vin.ii.301ff.; Mhv.iv.17ff). In this connection the Pāveyyakā are also described as "Pacchimikā" in opposition to the Vajjiputtakas who are called "Pācīnakā."
It is explained (E.g., MT.166) that the Pāveyyakā were called "Pacchimikā" because they lived to the west. West of Kosala, according to Buddhaghosa, on Mahā Vagga (vii.1.).
The Burmese MSS. seem to spell Pāveyyakā as Pātheyvakā.