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NAGARATHAR PATRIThe Nagarathars (also known as NagarattarTamil: ) are aChettiar community that originated in Kaveripoompattinam under the Chola kingdom of India. They are aprominent mercantile (Vaishya, Tamil:) caste in Tamil Nadu, South India. They are a very richcommunity known for their philanthropy; building temples and schools, and maintaining them throughout Asia.

Total population10,00,000 approximately

Regions with significant populations

Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, USALanguagesTamil

ReligionShaivism, Shaiva Siddhanta

Related ethnic groupsTamil people, Dravidian people, Vaishya, Tamil:

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NAGARATHAR VARALARU

The first book on prints to come out about Nagarathar history is in 1894 called "Thanavaisya NattukottaiNagarathar". With the help of scriptures from Poongondrai Velangudi at Thulavoor Mutt, the book was requestedand examined by VR.L.Chinniah Chettiar of Devakottai. The permission granted by imminent persons such asM.AL.AR. Ramanathan Chettiar and AL.AR.RM.Arunachalam Chettiar the edition were printed by SadavadanamSubramania Iyer of Tanjore at the Desabimani Press at Tanjore. The second edition came in 1904.

In 1911, Pandithamani Kathiresan Chettiar wrote a book called "Nattukottai Nagarathar Seerthirutham" (changes)and in 1919 Chockalinga Ayya of Karaikudi wrote a book called "Nattukottai Nagarathar Marabu Vilakkam"(description of their ways). Both wrote separate books on Nagarathar history. In 1953, the compilation byA.Ramanathan Chettiar of Vayinagaram and the edition of that by Pandithamani was called "Nattukottai Varalaru"(history). In 1970 A.Shesadiri of Varagur wrote "Nattukottai Nagarathar Varalaru", which came out in the form of a

book.

After this many researchers on Nagarathars have written many research essays on the past history. Certainnotable essays are those written by Kamban Adipodi Sa. Ganesan, Dr.V.SP.Manickanar, Dr.SP.Annamalai andDr.T.Chockalingam. Based on the above we can classify the old history of the Nagarathars as below: .

Early History (till 2898 BC. Initially the Vaishyas lived in Sandhyapuri of the Sambu Islands in Naganadu. This borders the present state of

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They were of Chandrakula Gothiram. Later they embraced Saivism. There is

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actually a question over when the Nagarathars joined Saivism and when they would renounce Saivism? "When

the sun and the moon were born on this earth the Nagarathars became Saivaites and when they are no more

they would renounce Saivism." v According to Pandit Kathiresan Chettiar. At that time they were saivaites,

praying to Maragatha Vinayagar, doing trade in precious stones and having the equal respect like the king.

Naganadu is near Andhra. Later, an earthquake, according to DR. V.SP.Manickanar destroyed this Naganadu.

Leather Age (2897 BC to 790 BC)During the Kaliyuga year 204 (2897 BC) the Vaishyas could not bear the harassment of the Naga king and they

came down to Thondaimandalam, namely Kanchipuram. At Kanchipuram the king welcomed them with a warm

heart and royalty. He gave them land to build temples and mutts, They continued their devotion towards

Maragatha Vinayagar and continued their trade with gems till the Kaliyuga year 2311 (790 BC) and lived happily.

Old years (789 BC to 706 AD)

During the Kaliyuga year 2312 (789 BC), Prathaparasa the king who ruled Kanchipuram imposed unjustifiedsevere fines and punishments. Hence, the Vaishyas from there went to Cholanadu. They settled along the banksof River Cauvery at Kaveripoompattinam. Manuneedhicholan, the king of that time requested the Vaishyas to livein three streets, East, West and South streets. He gave the Vaishyas three honorable rights. One was the

coronation of the king, the second was to have an independent lion flag of their own and the third was to havegolden kalasams in the bungalows they lived in. When they got these rights the Nagarathars were called "Rathina Maguda Thanavaisyar". They continued their prayers towards Maragatha Vinayagar.

In the Kaliyuga year3775 (674 BC) Poovanthicholan who was ruling at that time harassed and imprisoned all thewomenfolk. Hence, the 8000 Vaishyas leaving behind all their assets, 1502 boys and the Maragatha Vinayagarunder the custody of their guru Atmananda Sastri to do pooja and look after, they all committed suicide. The guruAtmananda Sastri taught them the five-letter panchatara mantra for upadesam, till to this date they remember itwith the help of the Patharakkudi Madam.

In the Kaliyuga year3784 (683 BC) the old aged Poovanthicholan requested the Vaishyas youngsters to do thecoronation ceremony for his son Rajaboosanacholan. The youngsters said that they were incapable of doing thecoronation since they were all bachelors and there were no eligible girls in the community to get married to. Theking consulted with Esana sivachariar and pronounced that Vaishyas can marry Vellala caste girls. The Vaishyasyoungsters said that they would marry the girls from the Vellala caste, but they would not marry their girls by birth

to the Vellala caste. The king requested the Vellala community to accept this. The Vellala community acceptedon the condition that their community guru would perform the dhikshai for their girls and the girls born to them.The East Street, which was divided into seven branches, had 502 Vaishyas youngsters married to Solliya Vellalagirls. For these girls their guru was Alagiya Gurukkal from Srivanjiyam.

Middle Age (707 AD to 1565 AD)

During the Kaliyuga year of3808 (707AD) Soundarapandian the Pandya king went to Chola kingdom and met

Rajabooshanacholan. He stated that during Keerthibooshanapandian's period the sea came inside tillThirubhuvanam and washed away the whole area. After that, 18 successions of Pandya kings have ruled butthere were no good families living there. He said that he his inviting some good families to set up a living. Herequested for some good families and some Vaihya traders. The Chola king called for the RathanamagudaVaishyas and requested a few to go. At that time they stated that wherever they go the three streets would go

together and live, and not live separately. On hearing this, the Chola king asked everyone to go to the Pandyakingdom. The Pandya king assured the Vaishyas, that he would give them a place to live, land to build templesand mutts, and took them along with him.

Soundarapandian gave land demarcated, West of the sea, East of Pranmalai, North of River Vaigai and South ofRiver Vellar (present Chettinadu), to live, build temples and mutts. The Pandya king gave Ariyur town andPranmalai temple, Sundarapatinam and its temple and Ellayatrankudi and its temple.

The three streets Vaishya youngsters could not live together for long because of difference of opinion createdsince they married Vellala girls of different - different groups. Hence therefore, those who lived in the West streetin six branches at Kaveripoompatinam were given Ariyur and Pranmalai temple, South street in four branches

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were given Sundarapattinam and its temple, East street by seven branches were given Ellayatrankudi and itstemple. The Maragatha Vinayagar was under the custody of Ariyur. They agreed upon the rituals and prayers tobe common. After this the six branched were called Ariyurar, four branched as Sundarathar and the sevenbranched as Ellayatrankudi Nagarathar also Nattukottai Nagarathar.

As the days went by there was difference opinion amongst the Ellayatrankudiyars' and they separated branchwise and met Soundarapandian and requested for different temples. Pandian agreed, the temples given wereMathur, Vairavanpatti (712 AD) Iraniyur, Pillaiyarpatti, Nemankovil, Ellupakkudi (714 AD) and Soorakkudi,

Velangudi (718 AD). Henceforth the creation of the nine temples took place. When the population increased therewere many branches with in the temples. This is the only community in the world to be divided on the basis ofSivan temples.

During the Kaliyuga year 4262 (1161 AD) Nemankovil's Arunachalam son of Ellanalamudaiyan MuthuveerappaChetty of Manickam Street, Velangudi at Poongkondrai's five year old daughter, Muthumeenal was taken to thecapital by Karunyapandian in the chariot when he as hunting over there. The Nagarathars on knowing thisgrouped together and decided that the girl should get justice according to the caste practise and the met thePandya king and asked him to release the girl. The Pandya king said that if had known it was their girl he wouldnot have brought the girl over to the capital. He said that, he had heard that if he handed over the girl, the girlwould be killed. He also said that if at all he heard that the girl was killed, they would have to pay eight heads andeight hundred sovereigns of gold and he handed the girl.

The Nagarathars took leave of the king and killed the girl on the way according to the caste regulations. Thenthey prepared themselves for the punishment ordered by the king. For the seven branches seven heads were

ready and there was a question mark over the one remaining head. At that time among the seven branches,Ellayatrankudi, Eraniyur and Pillaiyarpatti were as one branch though they had different temples, it was decidedthat this branch give an extra head. Henceforth Okkurudayar a branch of Ellayatrankudi came forward to give theextra head. The condition put was that they get the first honour in the temples and mutts including the Viputhi.The Nagarathars accepted. Later they went to the king and stated that they have brought the eight heads andeight hundred sovereigns of gold. The king was so depressed and said, the sin of killing one girl itself is enough,you don't have to give anything and you can go. The Nagarathar's returned back.

During the Kaliyuga year 4389 (1288 AD) there was trouble and Ariyurpattinam was demolished. The sixty-fourVaishya families that stayed there escaped to the Malayala kingdom (Kerela) and started living near theRiver Korattar. They built a temple for Maragatha Vinayagar and continued the prayers.

During Kaliyuga year 4644 (1543 AD) there was trouble at Nattarasankottai due to robbers and they raped someNagarathar women. Nagarathars met their Gurus' and requested them to give permission according to theircustom to kill them. The gurus did not accept. On the insistence of the Nagarathars the gurus accepted and went

to Kasi to have a holy dip in the Ganges.

Nirambia Alagiya Gurukkal alone returned to Thulavur after three years. The Kala mutt guru did not even returnafter twelve years. Hence some of the Nagarathars went to Ramanathasamy of Thirupunavayil to get upadesam.After twenty-one years during the kaliyuga year 4665 (1564 AD), the guru of Kala mutt came and joined. TheNagarathars met him and explained the happenings. The guru said that those who got dhikshai fromRamanathasamy belonged to Vamisa, henceforth they and their generation have got to get dhikshai from Vamisagenerations and gave a mutt at Patharakudi, which is also known as Ellanjeripattinam at Kanakapuram. Fromthen on Nagarathar men had Kala mutt and Patharakudi mutt; the women had Thulavur mutt, which were thethree Gurukalams.

# Description

1 Pray to Lord Ganesha, Lord Siva and Lord Muruga.

2 No one should do anything during the stars of Karthigai and Thiruvathirai according to the

Sastras. But the Nagarathars being ardent devotees of Lord Muruga and Lord Shiva they

performed the Karthigai Padumai for their sons and Nataraja's Thiruvathirai for their

daughters. The above went against all sastras. No other Saivaite community do these

functions, hence these solely belongs to the Nagarathars.

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3 The Nagarathars consider the viputhi as a sacred and holy item whereas others consider it just

the opposite, since it is got from burning and as ash. The womenfolk of the Nagarathar

community put viputhi and the manjal kungumam on their forehead, while the others put

manjal kungumam only. The viputhi is considered so sacred that during marriages the oldest

lady of the house, even though she is a widower, holds a lamp on the left hand and puts

viputhi on the groom and bride. When the Nagarathars travel anywhere they make it a pointthat they carry viputhi in a special bag called the "viputhi pai". During death also the

Nagarathars place viputhi considering it to be a sacred item. No other Saivaite gives so much

importance to viputhi unlike the Nagarathars.

4 The Nagarathar community also have people ordained as Nayanmars among the 63

Nayanmars. Karaikal Ammaiyar a lady was ordained as a Nayanmar and was the first person to

sing "Thirupathigams". Her Thirupathigams were called "Mootha Thirupathigam". Before Saint

Appar Swamigal and Saint Thirugnanasambandhar Swamigal could sing thirupathigams the

womenfolk of the Nagarathar community sang thirupathigams. Another person to be ordained

as a Nayanmar is Eyarkai Nayanar.

5 Temples (Kovil) - The Nattukottai Chettiars are divided among themselves on the basis of

temples called "Nagara Kovils" (Temples of Lord Shiva, since they are Saivaites). They are

divided on the basis of nine temples that have many sub divisions. Marriages can take place

among the various divisions. One cannot enter into an alliance with in the same division, but in

some temples if the sub division is different then the marriage can take place. The temples are

the places for the registering of marriages for the Nagarathars. On the day of the marriage or

earlier, the bride's and the groom's side have to go their respective temples to register their

marriage. The bride would renounce her temple and would be enrolled with the groom. They

become a proclaimed member of the community and they are called as a "Pulli". The marriage

becomes legally valid. On becoming a member, they start paying their annual subscription tothe temple. From the temple on registering, the couples are blessed with the offerings from

the respective temples.

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NAGARATHAR MARRIAGES

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BackNagarathars belong to one of the 9 temples (briefed in the sections below). People within the same temple areconsidered as siblings. Apparently the bride and groom should belong to different temples if they are to bemarried. However there are some exceptions to Mathur temple where there are subdivisions within this temple.So marriage among brides and grooms of certain subdivisions are permitted. Generally people from Irani kovil

and Pillayar patti will not marry, because they treat each other as brother's & Sisters. Every Nagarathar marriagehas to be approved and registered in the respective groom's temple. Once approved, a garland would be

delivered on the behalf of the temple authorities on the wedding day and only from there on the marriage wouldbe conducted. This can be assumed synonym to an approval certificate.

Nagarathar marriage is conducted in single day. Even today, though almost all the nagarathar stay away fromtheir nagara village, they prefer to have their son/daughter's marriage in their native village. The marriage inChettinad in good old days, was more elaborate and complex. The marriage ceremony was long drawnprocedure punctuated with various rituals, customs including gift giving for the wellbeing of the newly married andthus marriage was six days affair. Procession of bridegroom (mappillai ) accompanied by musicians togetherwith another contingent of relatives of the bride especially the ladies with their colourful costumes mostly inKandangi handloom cotton sarees, used to be fun filled affair. Nadu Veettu Kolam drawing with the use of wetrice flour drawn by aachis.

Before Marriage

There are few formalities before marriage in the nagarathar community.

Pen paarthal

Usually the prospective mother-in-Law, father-in-law and few other close realives go to a common place, to seethe bride to be. For recent, the "would be" groom joins his parents though this is not very common. The groom'sfamily is offered a silver bucket with banana and coconut along with beetle leaves and beetle nuts. If the groomand his family like the bride they can take the silver bucket as a token that they like the bride. This is called "Vaalivaanguthal".

Pesi mudithu kolludhal

once the bride is approved by all, they would exchange betel leaves and nuts (vethalai pakku matri kolluthal).Thisis a confirmation gesture that the bride and the groom are finalized. The bride's parents and grooms parent (nowcalled sambanthi) decide upon a common day discussing with the astrolgers for the marriage

Muhurtha kaal unrudhal

Once the marriage date is finalized relatives arrive 45 days before marriage. This is the very first formalityrelated to marriage. A bamboo cane is fitted with mango leaves on the top .Puja is done by iyer and close

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relatives of the bride and the groom keep manjal and kungumam at 5 places in the cane .Once it is over the caneis tied upstraight. This serves as a notification to others in the surrounding that a marriage is going to beconducted at this house

Veetu padaippu/podhu padaippu

Every family pray to their ancestors in their ancesstral house, which is known as veetu padaippu and all the

"pangalis" together perform "podhu padaippu" (joint prayer). In podhu padaippu which is usually conducted at thecommon house called padaippu veedu, paniayaram (made of rice flour and karuppatti - jaggery) is done by allachi's and each family gets one after the padaippu. The day before marriage pangali's and thaya pillaigal (closerelatives) would come to both brides and grooms place to make the nadu veetu kolam and manai kolam

Marriage Day

Mappillai azhaipu

On the day of marriage in the morning before muhurtham, the groom's family arrive at the bride's village but donot enter the bride's home. The mappillai veetar ( groom's side) arrive and wait at some pillayar temple orcommunity centres where the pen veetar (bride's side) headed by bride's father go to welcome them with band.This is called mappillai azhaippu.

Pen edukki kattuthal

When the groom reaches bride's house she is brought to the door and shown to him. In the olden days this wasthe first official meeting (rather seeing) of bride and groom. For "pen Parkuthal" only the near relatives of thegroom see the bride.

ThirupotuthalNagarathars belong to one of the 9 temples (briefed in the sections below). People within the sametemple are considered as siblings. Apparently the bride and groom should belong to different temples if they areto be married. However there are some exceptions to Mathur temple where there are subdivisions within thistemple. So marriage among brides and grooms of certain subdivisions are permitted. Generally people from Iranikovil and Pillayar patti will not marry, because they treat each other as brother's & Sisters. Every Nagaratharmarriage has to be approved and registered in the respective groom's temple. Once approved, a garland wouldbe delivered on the behalf of the temple authorities on the wedding day and only from there on the marriagewould be conducted. This can be assumed synonym to an approval certificate.

Nagarathar marriage is conducted in single day. Even today, though almost all the nagarathar stay away fromtheir nagara village, they prefer to have their son/daughter's marriage in their native village. The marriage inChettinad in good old days, was more elaborate and complex. The marriage ceremony was long drawnprocedure punctuated with various rituals, customs including gift giving for the wellbeing of the newly married andthus marriage was six days affair. Procession of bridegroom (mappillai ) accompanied by musicians togetherwith another contingent of relatives of the bride especially the ladies with their colourful costumes mostly inKandangi handloom cotton sarees, used to be fun filled affair. Nadu Veettu Kolam drawing with the use of wetrice flour drawn by aachis.

The brides maternal uncle and grooms maternal uncle (Mamakarargal) wear mamakara pattu ( a fluorescent pinksilk towel) wrapped around .The groom sits in the manai. The brides maternal uncle brings her in the manai

The groom ties kaluthiruthe sacred thread or gold chain or Chettiyar thaali was worn during the day of marriageand a substitute gold thaali was given for regular use. The Kaluthiru is a double piece gold chains generallycontains a set of total 34 items of hand crafted gold ornaments including two pendants considered to be the mostsacred. The pendants carrying the image of goddess Lakshmi at the front side and the icons of MeenakshiSundareswarar Rishaba bull in the second row. What is very important to note is that these two motifs viz.

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Lakshmi and Shiva - Parvathi are oft repeated theme in Chettinad, which are highly revered by the NattukottaiNagarathar as the former symbolizing protection and prosperity while Shiva Parvathi pair on bull, representshappy family life. The Kaluthiru in Tamil language has two different meanings Kalutheru means the chain onneck while Kaluth - Thiru, denotes the Lakshmi as Thiru in Tamil indicates Mahalakshmi.

Vaevu irakkuthal

This is a custom which is followed to indicate that wealth in the form of food grains and vegetables are sent fromthe bride's home by her maternal uncle and their family helped by the groom's maternal uncle (items are carriedon the head in baskets). Then it is received at the groom's home. The basket usually contains brinjal and rice

Mamiyar sadangu

In this ritual the mother-in-law carries a silver plate with small bowls of betel leaf, cotton, vibhuthi (holy ash) and

turmeric. She applies each of the items to herself and then to her daughter-in-law.

Poo manam choridhal

The elders of both the sides dip their hands in the bowl with flower petals and take out a few petals and keep it atthe seated couple's folded legs, then on shoulder and throw the petals behind the couple. This is done only bymale relatives and not by the woman folk and this symbolizes of, blessing the couples

Manjal neeru aduthal

Couple's feet is washed by cousins with manjal neer (turmuric water) Both the samandhis dip their tip of theirattire in a turmeric water. Before they us ed to take bath but in modern days a formality for the ritual they dip in theturmeric water

Saman parapudhal

The items given as seer (dowry/gift) by the bride's family is exhibited to all the relatives who attend the marriage.This is considered a scale for the wealth and prosperity of the bride's family. It contains mappillai saman (forgroom), maamiyaar saman (for mother in law) also. The grooms side also add their gifts (silk saree, dressescosmetics etc.) to the prospective daughter-in-law .

Kumbuttu kattikolluthal

This is a ritual where in the bride gets the blessings of the elders with a "kulam valum pillai"(krishna idol) in herhand. Each time the elders give it to her they bless her when she falls at her feet. This ritual symbolizes that thefollowing generation to be fertile.

Mana pen solli kolluthal

An emotional moment where the bride bids farewell to her family and near and dear ones. It is quite common tosee the bride and her family members in tears. The bride gets the blessings of all the elders of the family whereshe was born.

Kattu soaru unnuthal

During olden days when the groom and their family take the daughter in law to their home, they had to travel forat least a day. Food is packed for them to be consumed on their way. Usually, the groom and their family eatthese packed (kattu) food (soaru - rice) and take rest beside some tank/pond which they find on their way. Thistradition is still followed in Nagarathar marriages.

Pen azhaippu

This is the event where the bride is formally welcomed at the grooms home and embrace her as a member oftheir family. The bride and the groom are usually brought to a temple in their native village before being invited tothe grooms residence.

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The couple would be asked to put their hands into three thavalais (ever silver pots) and take out the contentsinside A small game to see who would take over different roles when they run the family.

Nathanar sadangu (done by the bride's sister - in - law (s) which is the same as mamiyar sadangu would be doneat the time of pen azhaippu

COMMON NAMES

Nattukkottai chettiyar have a tradition of naming the first born boy with paternal grandfather's name, the first borngirl with paternal grandmother and if another boy or girl the name it by maternal grandparents. Most of thechettiyar's follow this religiously, though there has been few mordernization of the typical chettiyar name. Thechettiyar names stand as unique identification in the crowd.

COMMON CHETTIYAR NAMES

Adaikappan/Adaikkalavan/Adaik

ammaiAzhagappan/Azhagammai Annamalai/Unnamalai

Arunachalam Alamelu (Alarmelu) Chockalingam

Chellappan/Chellammai Chidambaram (Th)Deivanai

Dharmambal Ganesan (sh) Gyanambal

Karuppiah/Karupayee/Karuppan

chettyKanagasabai/Kanagavalli

Kannappan/Kannathal/Kann

an

Kaveri Kothai Kumarappan

Lakshmanan/Lakshmi Logu Mangai

Meyappan/Meyammai Meenakshi/Meenal Murugappan

Muthiah/Muthuveerappan/Mutha

thalNachammai/Nachiappan Nagappan/Nagammai

Narayanan PalaniappanPeriyakaruppan/Periyanayag

i

Poongothai O(U)lagappan/Olagammai O(U)dayappan

Ramanathan/RamayeeRaman/Lakshmanan(for

twins)Ramaswamy

Sabaratthinam Saravanan Senthil/Santhal

Sethukkarasi Sevugan Shanmugam

SigappiSivagami(sogu)/Sivagamasundari

Somasundaram(somu)

Solai/Solachi Swaminathan Subramaniam(n)

Sundaram/Soundaram(Soundhi) Sathappan/Sathammai Sadayappan

Soodi koduthal Thennamai/Thenappan Thiagarajan

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Thirunavukkarasu Thanirmalai Umaiyal

Vairavan VasanthalValliappan/Valliammai/Valli

kannu

Velliappan Venkatachalam Visalatchi(sala)

Yegappan/Yegammai - -

CHETTINAD CUISINE

As apparent from the title of this section, the popular Chettinad cuisine is a special attribute of the NagaratharCommunity. Among the food lovers, the community is identified because of their special delicacies.

Some of their common snacks are:

y Aadi Koozh / Kummaayam [sour porridge]

y Vellai Paniyaram

y Kuzhi paniyaramy Masala Paniyaram

y Inippuch Seeyam

y Paal Kuzhakkattai (Rice puddings in sweet Milk)

y Seepu seedai

y Thenkuzhal

y Manokolam

y Kavuni arisi (Sweet brown rice)

Vegetarian main courses:

y Vegetable Mandiy Vazhakkai Karuvattu poriyal (Unripe Banana deep fried)

y Vazhapoo Vadai (Banana flower vadai)

y Karunai kizhangu masiyal

y Vengaya koas

y Brinjal koasmalli

y Poricha kuzhambu

Some popular non-vegetarian dishes include:

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y Chettinad Chicken curry

y Mutton Kola Urundai

y Uppukandam

Chettinad cuisine is the cuisine of the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu state in South India. Chettinad is one of thedriest regions of south India. The Chettiar community, who are a majority in this region are a very successfultrading community. Chettinad cuisine is one of the spiciest and the most aromatic in India.

Chettinad cuisine is famous for its use of a variety of spices used in preparing mainly non-vegetarian food. Thedishes are hot and pungent with fresh ground masalas, and topped with a boiled egg that is usually consideredessential part of a meal. They also use a variety of sun dried meats and salted vegetables, reflecting the dryenvironment of the region. The meat is restricted to fish, prawn, lobster, crab, chicken and lamb. Chettiars do noteat beef and pork.

Most of the dishes are eaten with rice and rice based accompaniments such as dosais, appams, idiyappams,adais and idlis. The Chettinad people through their mercantile contacts with Burma, learnt to prepare a type ofrice pudding made with sticky red rice.

Chettinad cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Some of the popular vegetariandishes include idiyappam, paniyaram, vellai paniyaram, karuppatti paniyaram, paal paniyaram, kuzhi paniyaram,kozhakattai, masala paniyaram, adikoozh, kandharappam, seeyam, masala seeyam, kavuni arisi & athirasam.[edit] Spices used

In Chettinad food, the most important spices are marathi mokku (dried flower pods), anasipoo (star aniseed) andkalpasi (a lichen known as the "black stone flower", also known as dagad phool). In addition, tamarind, whole redchillies and saunf (fennel seed) are also used along with cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorn, cumin seedsand fenugreek.

Chettinad Cooking VideosPal PaniyaramChicken ChettinaduAdirasamNei Paniyaram

Kozhakattai Part 1

Kozhakattai Part 2

Kozhakattai Part 3

Chettinad Chicken

Kavuni Arisi Seeyam Kandharappam Karuppatti Paniyaram

Vellai PaniyaramChettinad

Vegetable CurryAadi Koozh Chettinad Brinjal Kootu

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Vellam AdhirasamChettinad Chicken

CurryArisi Paniyaram Pal Kozhakattai

HISTORY OF NAGARATHAR ARULMIGU

KARPAGA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE OF PILLARYAR PATTI

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1. Pillaiyarpatti is located in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. It is situated between Karaikudi and

Thiruputhur and nearby Karaikudi i.e. three Kilometers away from Kundrakkudi.

2. PILLAIYARPATTI is one of the nine Nagarakovil divisions of Nattukkottai Nagarathar Community.

3. Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar is carved out in a cave of Pillaiyarpatti Hillocks. Lord Vinayagar is

carved out from the rock of the cave. Lord Thiruveesar (SIVAN) is also carved in the rock of this cave.

History states that Pandiya Kings had designed these structures in the caves.

4. The age of the cave temple is 2500 years or move. There are 14 stone inscription in the cave (from 500

BC to 1284 AD). These stone inscription that state ancient names of PILLAIYARPATI as

EKKATTOOR, THIRUVEENKAIKKUDI, MARUTHANGUDI and RAJANARAYANAPURAM.

5. From 1284 AD, rights of this temple were given to Nattukkottai Nagarathars STONE inscription at

Thiruveesar Temple cave state that the second stage of dev.

6. Just like Karapaga Tree Lord Karpaga Vinayagar grants all Blessings. In view of this Lord Vinayagar is

named as KARPAGA VINAYAGAR. The name Thesi Vinayaga Pillaiyar is also there in the stone

inscription.

7. Worship if Lord Vinayagar is found in different parts of the world through ages, in this, Karpaga

Vinayagar worship finds first place down through the ages and it is also regarded as First Lord

Vinayagar.

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8. In the world there are 2 Vinayagars who are having 2 hands. One is at Pillaiyarpatti and the other is at

AFKANISTHAN Lord Vinayagar at AFKANISTHAN is in standing position with so many ornaments of

late age.

9. Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar is having only 2 hands which is a special feature.

10. The Sculptor who designed the figure of Lord Vinayagar also had registered his signature in the stone

sculpture. His signature as EKKATTOOR KONE PERUMPARANAN (Perunthatchan) is in Tamil

letters which was in use between 400 BC and 500 BC. From this we can take for granted that is was

carved just before 500 BC.

11. From the history of divine architecture and from stone sculptures and from the available documentary

evidence Pillaiyarpatti KARPAGA VINAYAGAR figure alone is the first Pillaiyar in the world.

12. Karpaga Vinayagar is not having Mothakam (Sweet) at his right hand. Hi is in meditation (having

Lingam at his right hand) for the welfare of the entire Universe. Since he is Yoga Vinayagar (Vinayagar

with Meditaion and all fortunes) he grants all good things after success.

13. There are other deities in this temple such as goddess Karthiyaini (who arranges marriages)

Nagalingam (who gifts offsprings to human beings) Pasupatheeswarar (who showers all wealth).

14. Vinayagar Chathurthi is the very important festival in his temple. It is 10 days festival. Kappukkattuthal

and hoisting temple flag begin before 9 days. At the 9th day car festival and much celebrated

decoration of sandal covering (Santhanakkappu) to Pillaiyar takes place.

15. Devotees who observe Chathurthi day (festival) and fulfills it. They observe fast on Chathurthi day in

front of Vinayagar Sannidhi and take part in KumbaJebam and receive holy pot of Chanted holywater

and take bath taking for granted that they bathe Lord Vinayagar seated in their hearts. Observing of

Vinayagar Chathurthi Fast for one full year brings all blessings and wealth to devotees and it is also a

proved fact.

NAGARA VIDUTHIGALSouth

Nagara Viduthigal in South India Chennai Rangoon Nagara Viduthi

88,Coral Merchant Street, Mannady Chennai-600001, Tamil Nadu, India Tel: 044-25268155

Chennai Devakottaiyar Nagara Viduthi

114,Coral merchant street Mannady, Chennai-600001, Tamil Nadu,India

Chennai Thiruvattriyur Nagara Viduthi

28,South Mada Street Thiruvetriyur, Chennai-600019, Tamil Nadu,India

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Chennai Karaikudiyar Nagara Viduthi

108,Coral Merchant Street, Mannady, Chennai-600001, Tamil Nadu,India

Chidambaram Chidambaram Nagara Viduthi

East Street, Chidambaram 608001, Tamil Nadu,India

Chidambaram Chidambaram Nagara Viduthi

East Street, Chidambaram 608001, Tamil Nadu,India

Coimbatore Coimbatore Nagara Viduthi

29-30,Gowli Brown Salai, R.S.Puram, Coimbatore - 641002, Tamil Nadu,India Tel: 0422-2442891

Erode Erode Nagara Viduthi

27,Mandram Street, Erode - 638001, Tamil Nadu,India, Tel: 262382

Swamimalai Swamimalai Nagara Viduthi

East Street, Swamimalai - 612302, Tamil Nadu,India

Karaikudi Kasi Nattukottai Nagara Chattiram Managing Society

5,North Vadampooki Street, Karaikudi - 630001, Tamil Nadu,India Tel: 04565-2423458

Karaikudi Karaikudi Nagara Viduthi

West Mezla Vadampokki Street, Near Sivan Temple, Karaikudi - 623001, Tamil Nadu,India

Madurai Madurainagara Viduthi 25,North Chitirai Street,

Madurai - 625001, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel: 0452-2622368

Mayiladuthurai Mayiladurai Nagara Viduthi

27,Maayuranathar North Mada Vizhagam Mayiladurai - 609001, Tamil Nadu, India.

Pondicherry Nagara Viduthi

Pondicerry Road Mayelam - 604304, Tamil Nadu, India.

Nagapattinam Nagapatinam Nagara Viduthi

Vezlippalayam, Nagapatinam - 611001, Tamil Nadu, India.

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Kaviripoompatinam Poompugar Nagara Viduthi

Kaaviri Poompatinam Poompugar - 609105, Tamil Nadu, India.

Palani Palani Nagara Viduthi

Irakala Madam Adivaaram, Palani - 624601, Tamil Nadu, India.

Pudukottai Puddukottai Nagara Viduthi

569-2570 Sannathi Street, Near Ariyanachiyamman Kovil, Pudukottai - 622001, Tamil Nadu,

India.

Rameshwaram Rameswaram Nagara Viduthi

South Charriot Street, Rameswaram - 630526, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thiruparangundram Thirupparangundram Nagara Viduthi

Theppakkulam Melath Street, Thirupparangundram, Madurai - 625005, Tamil Nadu, India.

Trichy Trichy Nagara Viduthi

2,Othhamal Street, Trichy - 620002, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel: 0431-2702318

Thanjavur Thanjavur Nagara Viduthi

387, P.Pampatti Street, East Vasal, Thanjavur - 613001, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thiruchendur Thiruchendur Nagara Viduthi

125, Sannathi Street, Thiruchendur - 628215, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thiruvarur Nagara Viduthi

1-2,Nagara Mada Lane Thiru Manjana Street Thiruvaru-610002, Tamil Nadu, India.

Tutucorin Nagara Viduthi

Chetti street Sea Shore Tutucorin - 628001, Tamil Nadu, India.

Tirunelveli Nagara Veduthi

6,Perarigar Anna Mela Street Tirunelveli - 627006, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thiruvannamalai Thiruvannamalai Nagarathar Oyari Madam,

Thiruvoodal Street, South Street, Thiruvannamalai - 606601, Tamil Nadu, India.

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Thiruvalankaddu Nattukottai Nagarathar Chattiram

Chinna Theru Thiruvalankaddu - 609810, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thiruthani Thirutani Nagara Viduthi

15,Naatukottai Chettiar Chatiram Street, Adivaaram, Thirutani - 631209, Tamil Nadu, India.

Villupuram Nagarathar Community Centre

Ganapathy Nagar(North) Near Katpaadi Railway Gate, Villupuram - 605602, Tamil Nadu,

India.

Vaitheesawarn Kovil Vaitheeswaran Temple Nagara Viduthi

South Charriot Street, Vaitheeswaran Temple - 609317, Tamil Nadu, India.

North

Nagara Viduthigal in North India Kasi/Varnasi Sri Kasi Nattukottai Nagara Sataram

Godhowlia Varanasi 221001, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel:321012

Ayodhya Nattukottai Nagara Sataram

Natkot Sriram Mandir(temple) Boboo Bazaar, Ayodhya-224123, Faizadad Dist. Uttar Pradesh,India.

Allahabad Nattukottai Nagara Sataram

149,Modi street, Daraganji-Post, Allahabhad-211006, Uttar Pradesh,India.

Nasik Nattukottai Nagara Sataram

Karthik Swamy Mandir Sanichowk Panchavati Nasik - 422003, Maharastra,India

Mumbai Nagara Viduthi

Block No:10/2, Mulund Colony, Mulund West, Mumbai - 400082, Maharastra State,India.

Kolkata Nagaratar House

34,Ezra street, Kolkatta - 700001, West Bengal,India.

Kolkata Nagara Madam

Chetty Brothers Tarakeswar West Bengal, India

Overseas

Nagara Viduthigal in Abroad Malaysia

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PenangPenang Nagara Viduthi 24,China Street, 10200 Penang. TEL:604 - 2615713 Kula Lumpur WismaThanavaisya

Nagara Viduthigal in Abroad Malaysia

PenangPenang Nagara Viduthi 24,China Street, 10200 Penang. TEL:604 - 2615713 Kula Lumpur WismaThanavaisya

Malaysia Thanavaisya Association,

23 Jalan Pinggir, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

north, south,overseas....

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.Nattukottai Nagara Satram,Natkot Sriram Mandir,Boboo Bazaar, Ayodhya - 224 123.Faizabad. U.P. India.

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Nattukottai Nagara Satram,Karthick Swamy Mandir,Shanichowk, Panchavati,Maharashtra, India.

Nagarathar House,34, Ezra Street,Calcutta - 700001.

Nattukottai Nagara Satram,149, Mori, Daraganji - Post,Allahabhad - 211006.U.P. India.

.Nagarathar House,171, Chand Chowra,Gaya - 823001.Bihar State, India.

Nagar Madam,Trarkewsar, (Near Calcutta)West Bengal, India..Mumbai Nagarathar Social,Cultural Associate,

17/190, Shanthi Nikethan,Building, Garodia Nagar,Chikopur (E), Mumbai - 400077.

Nagarathar Sangam,4/18, N.E.A. Karaolbagh,New Delhi - 100005.

.London Nagarathar Sangam,222, Wherwood,AVenue, London - S.W. 16.

Nagarathar Sangam,39/1493, Kuriyathai Road,Tiruvandrum - 695 009.Kerala.

Sri Kasi Nattukottai Nagara Satram,Godhowlia, Varanasi - 221001.U.P. India.Phone: 321012

NAGARATHAR GURUPEEDANGALKoviloor Madalayam52, Kuppiah Chetty Street,West Mambalam,Chennai - 600033Phone: 044-23716507

SeervalarseerThavathiru Nachiyappa Adigal,Koviloor Madalayam Near Karaikudi

Koviloor - 630307Phone: 04565-236846

Sree Ravindra Swamigal Nagarathar UpathesaGurupeedamPatharakudi - 630307Phone: 04565-236185

Sree Nirambiya Alagiya DesigarayaNgganaprakasa Desiga Swamigal NagaratharPengal Gurupeedam

Thulavur MadamKundrakudi-630206Sivagangai DistrictPhone: 04577-264446

(http://nagaratharmalar.com/index.php)

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1000 window houses

(http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/kanadukathan/Interesting )

Chettinad Artefacts

Kottan Basket

Ancestors of Nagarathars used Palmyra leaves for writing (Olai Chuwadi), drawing,

crafting artistic items and making utility produces. The Kottans had a wide and varied

uses in their daily life, most importantly during marriages. The Aachis of Chettinad

(ladies form Nagarathar household) used to make a varieties of baskets out of tender

Palmyra leaves and leaf stems, which are called as Kottans and Koodais . The fine

variety is usually identified as Kottans. Of all the Palmyra products, the Kottan baskets

however, combined both artistic and utility together. The colour scheme of the products

was of two broad categories viz. 1) original ivory colour and 2) coloured (by using naturaland chemical colours). The ornamentation of Kottan is done by a variety of methods and

techniques. Single and multi patterns obtained by skillfully manipulating the strips while

weaving, are also decorated with birds and animal motifs. Additional colour foils

inserted inside the strips add value and appeal. Further decoration is accomplished by

external embellishments using beads (paasi mani) threads and embroidery.

Colourful Kottans can also be used for dry flower arrangements, cut flower display with

stem covered so as not to wet the base of Kottan.

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Kidaram-Water storage Vessel

The Kidaram is the biggest of all vessels used in Nagarathars homes. The size of it in a

sense, matches the scale of the architecture of the elephantine Chettinad Houses. Besides

the slopping tiled roof and its open courtyard, the Kidaram storage vessel, hold an

important place as a part of rain water harvesting devices in drought prone Chettinad

area. Such enormous Kidaram in one of the corners or all the four corners of the

mutram, courtyard, facilitate storage of drinking water. From old marriage albums of

Chettiyars families, one can identify use of these huge kidarams mounted on bullock

cart, to fetch water from the Oorani- temple tank, for cooking meals for the guests. The

height of these Kidarams ranges between 4 to7 and weigh roughly 17 to 50 kilograms

according to the size. The metal kidarams are made up of either brass are copper. Of the

two metals copper is costlier and keeps water potable for more than six months. The

huge vessel comes with a roof shaped lid and two loop l ike handles at the middle. The

rain water falling from the roof is stored in Kidaram is first filtered using a pure white

veshti (dhoti) or white saree -a long garment worn by elderly widow.

Karaikudi (Chettinadu)

Chettinad is a region of the Sivaganga district of southern Tamil Nadu state, India. Karaikudi is known

as the capital of Chettinad, which includes Karaikudi and 74 other villages. Chettinad is the homeland of

the Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose

members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Ceylon and Burma, in the 19th and early

20th centuries. The people of Chettinad speak Tamil. Today there is a diaspora of Chettinad people,

who live in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, among other places.

Chettinad is well known for its:

* Culinary delicacies:

Chettinad is known for its culinary delicacies. Chettinad food, now is one of the many reasons why

people get to know Chettinad. Chettinad food is essentially spicy, with a standard full meal consisting of

cooked dhal, eggplant (brinjal) curry, drumstick sambar, ghee for flavouring rice, and sweet meats like

payasam and paal paniyaram. "Kara kozhambu" is a highly regarded south Indian sambar.

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* Mansions:

Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses,

embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century

mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of eggwhites to

give a smooth texture.

* Temples:

Originally built by early Tamil dynasties like the Cholas, the temples of Chettinad stand testimony to

the spiritual beliefs of its denizens. Scattered over the whole place, each temple has its own tank

called oorani where water lilies are grown, and used for holy rituals. Even today much of Chettinad's

daily tidings are centered around the festivities around the temple. Among the many famous temples, a

few are Vairavan Kovil temple, Karpaga Vinayakar temple, Kundrakudi Murugan temple, Kottaiyur Sivan

temple, Kandanur Sivan Temple.

(http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060319/spectrum/main3.htm)