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NAGARATHAR VARALARU
- ஆக்கியோன் கம்பன் அடிப்பொடி சா. கணேசன்
பூமி பாலர் ( மன்னர் பின்னோர்.) நாட்டுகோட்டை நகரத்தார் எனப் பெயர் பெரும் செட்டிமார்கள்
ஆதியில் காஞ்சிபுரத்தில் வழ்ந்துவந்த்வர்கள்.காஞ்சிபுரத்தில் உள்ளூரிலும் உள்நாட்டிலும்
வாணிகம் செய்பவர்களாகவும் மாமல்லபுரத்துத் துறைமுகத்தில் இருந்து மரக்கலம் வழியாக
வெளிநாட்டு வாணிகம் செய்பவர்களாகவும் விளங்கி யிருந்த்தர்கள். அக்காலத்தில் காஞ்சிபுரம்
உள்ளிட்ட தொண்டை நாடு முழுவதும் சோழ நாடாகவே இருந்தது.
அவையாவன் (1) மர்த்ற்றூர், (2) இளையாத்தன்குடி, (3) வயிரவன் கோயில், (4) நேமம், (5)
இலுப்பைடைக்குடி, (6) சூரக்குடி, (7) வேலன்குடி ஆகியவையாகும்
NAGARATHAR VARALARU
The first book on prints to come out about Nagarathar history is in 1894 called "Thanavaisya Nattukottai
Nagarathar". With the help of scriptures from Poongondrai Velangudi at Thulavoor Mutt, the book was requested
and examined by VR.L.Chinniah Chettiar of Devakottai. The permission granted by imminent persons such as
M.AL.AR. Ramanathan Chettiar and AL.AR.RM.Arunachalam Chettiar the edition were printed by Sadavadanam
Subramania 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 by
A.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. Certain
notable essays are those written by Kamban Adipodi Sa. Ganesan, Dr.V.SP.Manickanar, Dr.SP.Annamalai and
Dr.T.Chockalingam. Based on the above we can classify the old history of the Nagarathars as below: .
During the Kaliyuga year 2312 (789 BC), Prathaparasa the king who ruled Kanchipuram imposed unjustified
severe fines and punishments. Hence, the Vaishyas from there went to Cholanadu. They settled along the banks
of River Cauvery at Kaveripoompattinam. Manuneedhicholan, the king of that time requested the Vaishyas to live
in 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 have
golden 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 year 3775 (674 BC) Poovanthicholan who was ruling at that time harassed and imprisoned all the
womenfolk. Hence, the 8000 Vaishyas leaving behind all their assets, 1502 boys and the Maragatha Vinayagar
under the custody of their guru Atmananda Sastri to do pooja and look after, they all committed suicide. The guru
Atmananda Sastri taught them the five-letter panchatara mantra for upadesam, till to this date they remember it
with the help of the Patharakkudi Madam.
In the Kaliyuga year 3784 (683 BC) the old aged Poovanthicholan requested the Vaishyas youngsters to do the
coronation ceremony for his son Rajaboosanacholan. The youngsters said that they were incapable of doing the
coronation since they were all bachelors and there were no eligible girls in the community to get married to. The
king consulted with Esana sivachariar and pronounced that Vaishyas can marry Vellala caste girls. The Vaishyas
youngsters 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 accepted
on 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 Vellala
girls. For these girls their guru was Alagiya Gurukkal from Srivanjiyam.
During the Kaliyuga year of 3808 (707AD) Soundarapandian the Pandya king went to Chola kingdom and met
Rajabooshanacholan. He stated that during Keerthibooshanapandian's period the sea came inside till
Thirubhuvanam and washed away the whole area. After that, 18 successions of Pandya kings have ruled but
there were no good families living there. He said that he his inviting some good families to set up a living. He
requested for some good families and some Vaihya traders. The Chola king called for the Rathanamaguda
Vaishyas 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 Pandya
kingdom. The Pandya king assured the Vaishyas, that he would give them a place to live, land to build temples
and mutts, and took them along with him.
Soundarapandian gave land demarcated, West of the sea, East of Pranmalai, North of River Vaigai and South of
River Vellar (present Chettinadu), to live, build temples and mutts. The Pandya king gave Ariyur town and
Pranmalai 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 created
since they married Vellala girls of different - different groups. Hence therefore, those who lived in the West street
in six branches at Kaveripoompatinam were given Ariyur and Pranmalai temple, South street in four branches
were given Sundarapattinam and its temple, East street by seven branches were given Ellayatrankudi and its
temple. The Maragatha Vinayagar was under the custody of Ariyur. They agreed upon the rituals and prayers to
be common. After this the six branched were called Ariyurar, four branched as Sundarathar and the seven
branched as Ellayatrankudi Nagarathar also Nattukottai Nagarathar.
As the days went by there was difference opinion amongst the Ellayatrankudiyars' and they separated branch
wise and met Soundarapandian and requested for different temples. Pandian agreed, the temples given were
Mathur, 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
there were many branches with in the temples. This is the only community in the world to be divided on the basis
of Sivan temples.
During the Kaliyuga year 4262 (1161 AD) Nemankovil's Arunachalam son of Ellanalamudaiyan Muthuveerappa
Chetty of Manickam Street, Velangudi at Poongkondrai's five year old daughter, Muthumeenal was taken to the
capital by Karunyapandian in the chariot when he as hunting over there. The Nagarathars on knowing this
grouped together and decided that the girl should get justice according to the caste practise and the met the
Pandya king and asked him to release the girl. The Pandya king said that if had known it was their girl he would
not have brought the girl over to the capital. He said that, he had heard that if he handed over the girl, the girl
would be killed. He also said that if at all he heard that the girl was killed, they would have to pay eight heads and
eight 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. Then
they 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 decided
that this branch give an extra head. Henceforth Okkurudayar a branch of Ellayatrankudi came forward to give the
extra 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 and
eight 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-
four Vaishya families that stayed there escaped to the Malayala kingdom (Kerela) and started living near the
River 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 some
Nagarathar women. Nagarathars met their Gurus' and requested them to give permission according to their
custom 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 return
after 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. The
Nagarathars met him and explained the happenings. The guru said that those who got dhikshai from
Ramanathasamy belonged to Vamisa, henceforth they and their generation have got to get dhikshai from Vamisa
generations and gave a mutt at Patharakudi, which is also known as Ellanjeripattinam at Kanakapuram. From
then on Nagarathar men had Kala mutt and Patharakudi mutt; the women had Thulavur mutt, which were the
three Gurukalams.
# Description
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.
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 point
that 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 to the temple. From the temple on registering, the couples are blessed with the
offerings from the respective temples.
NAGARATHAR MARRIAGES
Back
Nagarathars belong to one of the 9 temples (briefed in the sections below). People within the same temple are
considered as siblings. Apparently the bride and groom should belong to different temples if they are to be
married. 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 marriage
has 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 would
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 from
their nagara village, they prefer to have their son/daughter's marriage in their native village. The marriage in
Chettinad in good old days, was more elaborate and complex. The marriage ceremony was long drawn
procedure punctuated with various rituals, customs including gift giving for the wellbeing of the newly married and
thus marriage was six days affair. Procession of bridegroom (‘mappillai’ ) accompanied by musicians together
with another contingent of relatives of the bride especially the ladies with their colourful costumes mostly in
‘Kandangi’ handloom cotton ‘sarees’, used to be fun filled affair. ‘Nadu Veettu Kolam’ drawing with the use of wet
rice flour drawn by ‘aachis’.
Before Marriage
Pen paarthal
Usually the prospective mother-in-Law, father-in-law and few other close realives go to a common place, to see
the bride to be. For recent, the "would be" groom joins his parents though this is not very common. The groom's
family is offered a silver bucket with banana and coconut along with beetle leaves and beetle nuts. If the groom
and his family like the bride they can take the silver bucket as a token that they like the bride. This is called "Vaali
vaanguthal".
once the bride is approved by all, they would exchange betel leaves and nuts (vethalai pakku matri kolluthal).This
is a confirmation gesture that the bride and the groom are finalized. The bride's parents and grooms parent (now
called sambanthi) decide upon a common day discussing with the astrolgers for the marriage
Once the marriage date is finalized relatives arrive 4–5 days before marriage. This is the very first formality
related to marriage. A bamboo cane is fitted with mango leaves on the top .Puja is done by iyer and close
relatives of the bride and the groom keep manjal and kungumam at 5 places in the cane .Once it is over the cane
is tied upstraight. This serves as a notification to others in the surrounding that a marriage is going to be
conducted at this house
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 the
common house called padaippu veedu, paniayaram (made of rice flour and karuppatti - jaggery) is done by all
achi's and each family gets one after the padaippu. The day before marriage pangali's and thaya pillaigal (close
relatives) 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 do
not enter the bride's home. The mappillai veetar ( groom's side) arrive and wait at some pillayar temple or
community 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 was
the first official meeting (rather seeing) of bride and groom. For "pen Parkuthal" only the near relatives of the
groom see the bride.
ThirupotuthalNagarathars belong to one of the 9 temples (briefed in the sections below). People within the
same temple are considered as siblings. Apparently the bride and groom should belong to different temples if
they are to be married. 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
marriage has 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
would 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 from
their nagara village, they prefer to have their son/daughter's marriage in their native village. The marriage in
Chettinad in good old days, was more elaborate and complex. The marriage ceremony was long drawn
procedure punctuated with various rituals, customs including gift giving for the wellbeing of the newly married and
thus marriage was six days affair. Procession of bridegroom (‘mappillai’ ) accompanied by musicians together
with another contingent of relatives of the bride especially the ladies with their colourful costumes mostly in
‘Kandangi’ handloom cotton ‘sarees’, used to be fun filled affair. ‘Nadu Veettu Kolam’ drawing with the use of wet
rice flour drawn by ‘aachis’.
The brides maternal uncle and grooms maternal uncle (Mamakarargal) wear mamakara pattu ( a fluorescent pink
silk towel) wrapped around .The groom sits in the manai. The brides maternal uncle brings her in the manai
The groom ties ’ kaluthiru–the sacred thread or gold chain or Chettiyar thaali was worn during the day of
marriage and a substitute gold thaali was given for regular use. The Kaluthiru is a double piece gold chains
generally contains a set of total 34 items of hand crafted gold ornaments including two pendants considered to be
the most sacred. The pendants carrying the image of goddess ‘Lakshmi’ at the front side and the icons of
‘Meenakshi Sundareswarar’ ‘Rishaba’ bull in the second row. What is very important to note is that these two
motifs viz. Lakshmi and Shiva - Parvathi are oft repeated theme in Chettinad, which are highly revered by the
Nattukottai Nagarathar as the former symbolizing protection and prosperity while Shiva Parvathi pair on bull,
represents happy family life. The Kaluthiru in Tamil language has two different meanings – ‘Kalutheru’ means the
chain on neck 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 from
the bride's home by her maternal uncle and their family helped by the groom's maternal uncle (items are carried
on 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.
The elders of both the sides dip their hands in the bowl with flower petals and take out a few petals and keep it at
the seated couple's folded legs, then on shoulder and throw the petals behind the couple. This is done only by
male 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 their
attire in a turmeric water. Before they used to take bath but in modern days a formality for the ritual they dip in the
turmeric 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 (for
groom), maamiyaar saman (for mother in law) also. The grooms side also add their gifts (silk saree, dresses
cosmetics 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 her
hand. Each time the elders give it to her they bless her when she falls at her feet. This ritual symbolizes that the
following generation to be fertile.
An emotional moment where the bride bids farewell to her family and near and dear ones. It is quite common to
see the bride and her family members in tears. The bride gets the blessings of all the elders of the family where
she was born.
During olden days when the groom and their family take the daughter in law to their home, they had to travel for
at least a day. Food is packed for them to be consumed on their way. Usually, the groom and their family eat
these packed (kattu) food (soaru - rice) and take rest beside some tank/pond which they find on their way. This
tradition 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 of
their family. The bride and the groom are usually brought to a temple in their native village before being invited to
the grooms residence.
The couple would be asked to put their hands into three thavalais (ever silver pots) and take out the contents
inside 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 done
at 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 born
girl with paternal grandmother and if another boy or girl the name it by maternal grandparents. Most of the
chettiyar's follow this religiously, though there has been few mordernization of the typical chettiyar name. The
chettiyar names stand as unique identification in the crowd.
Adaikappan/Adaikkalavan/Adai
Azhagappan/Azhagammai Annamalai/Unnamalai
kammai
Arunachalam Alamelu (Alarmelu) Chockalingam
Chellappan/Chellammai Chidambaram (Th)Deivanai
Dharmambal Ganesan (sh) Gyanambal
Karuppiah/Karupayee/Karuppan Kannappan/Kannathal/Kann
Kanagasabai/Kanagavalli
chetty an
Kaveri Kothai Kumarappan
Lakshmanan/Lakshmi Logu Mangai
Meyappan/Meyammai Meenakshi/Meenal Murugappan
Muthiah/Muthuveerappan/Muth
Nachammai/Nachiappan Nagappan/Nagammai
athal
Periyakaruppan/Periyanayag
Narayanan Palaniappan
i
Poongothai O(U)lagappan/Olagammai O(U)dayappan
Raman/Lakshmanan(for
Ramanathan/Ramayee Ramaswamy
twins)
Sabaratthinam Saravanan Senthil/Santhal
Sethukkarasi Sevugan Shanmugam
Sivagami(sogu)/Sivagamas
Sigappi Somasundaram(somu)
undari
Solai/Solachi Swaminathan Subramaniam(n)
Sundaram/Soundaram(Soundhi) Sathappan/Sathammai Sadayappan
Soodi koduthal Thennamai/Thenappan Thiagarajan
Thirunavukkarasu Thanirmalai Umaiyal
Valliappan/Valliammai/Vall
Vairavan Vasanthal
ikannu
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 Nagarathar
Community. Among the food lovers, the community is identified because of their special delicacies.
Vegetable Mandi
Vazhakkai Karuvattu poriyal (Unripe Banana deep fried)
Vazhapoo Vadai (Banana flower vadai)
Karunai kizhangu masiyal
Vengaya koas
Brinjal koasmalli
Poricha kuzhambu
Chettinad cuisine is the cuisine of the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu state in South India. Chettinad is one of the
driest regions of south India. The Chettiar community, who are a majority in this region are a very successful
trading 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. The
dishes are hot and pungent with fresh ground masalas, and topped with a boiled egg that is usually considered
essential part of a meal. They also use a variety of sun dried meats and salted vegetables, reflecting the dry
environment of the region. The meat is restricted to fish, prawn, lobster, crab, chicken and lamb. Chettiars do not
eat 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 of
rice pudding made with sticky red rice.
Chettinad cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Some of the popular vegetarian
dishes 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) and
kalpasi (a lichen known as the "black stone flower", also known as dagad phool). In addition, tamarind, whole red
chillies and saunf (fennel seed) are also used along with cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorn, cumin seeds
and fenugreek.
Kozhakattai Part 1
Kozhakattai Part 2
Kozhakattai Part 3
Chettinad Chicken
Chettinad Chicken
Vellam Adhirasam Arisi Paniyaram Pal Kozhakattai
Curry
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.
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
5. From 1284 AD, rights of this temple were given to Nattukkottai Nagarathars STONE inscription at
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.
8. In the world there are 2 Vinayagars who are having 2 hands. One is at Pillaiyarpatti and the other is at
late age.
10. The Sculptor who designed the figure of Lord Vinayagar also had registered his signature in the stone
letters which was in use between 400 BC and 500 BC. From this we can take for granted that is was
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
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 VIDUTHIGAL
South
88,Coral Merchant Street, Mannady Chennai-600001, Tamil Nadu, India Tel: 044-
25268155
29-30,Gowli Brown Salai, R.S.Puram, Coimbatore - 641002, Tamil Nadu,India Tel: 0422-
2442891
West Mezla Vadampokki Street, Near Sivan Temple, Karaikudi - 623001, Tamil
Nadu,India
387, P.Pampatti Street, East Vasal, Thanjavur - 613001, Tamil Nadu, India.
1-2,Nagara Mada Lane Thiru Manjana Street Thiruvaru-610002, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ganapathy Nagar(North) Near Katpaadi Railway Gate, Villupuram - 605602, Tamil Nadu,
India.
North
Nagara Viduthigal in North India Kasi/Varnasi Sri Kasi Nattukottai Nagara Sataram
Natkot Sriram Mandir(temple) Boboo Bazaar, Ayodhya-224123, Faizadad Dist. Uttar Pradesh,India.
Block No:10/2, Mulund Colony, Mulund West, Mumbai - 400082, Maharastra State,India.
Overseas
PenangPenang Nagara Viduthi 24,China Street, 10200 Penang. TEL:604 - 2615713 Kula Lumpur Wisma
Thanavaisya
PenangPenang Nagara Viduthi 24,China Street, 10200 Penang. TEL:604 - 2615713 Kula Lumpur Wisma
Thanavaisya
NAGARATHAR SANGANGAL
நகரத்தார் சங்கம்,
௧௦, நாச்சியப்ப இல்லம், சொக்களிங்கம்புதூர் நற்பணி மன்ற,
செங்குன்றம் சாலை, மே/பா. மயில் மார்க் நிலையம்,
அம்பத்தூர், சென்னை - 600 053 431 திருவோர்ற்றியூர் நெடுஞ்சாலை,
போன்: 680 856 வண்ணாரப்பேட்டை,
சென்னை - 600 021.
நகரத்தார் சங்கம்,
26 /7 , ஏன். எம். ரோடு. நகரத்தார் மன்றம்,
கிருஷ்ணா நிலையம், 16 , கிழக்குக் கடற்கரைச் சாலை,
கன்னியாபுரம், திருவான்மியூர்,
ஆவடி, சென்னை - 600 041.
சென்னை - 600 054.
வளசரவாக்கம் நகரத்தார் சங்கம்,
ரெங்கூன் நகர விடுதி, 144 , டாக்டர் சர். சிவி. ராமன் தெரு,
88 , பவளக்காரத் தெரு, இராமகிருஷ்ணா நகர்,
மண்ணடி, சென்னை - 600 001. சென்னை- 600 087.
போன்:512 186.
வேந்தன்பட்டி நகரத்தார் சங்கம்.
காரைக்குடியார் நகர விடுதி, மே/ ப, திரு. பழனியப்பன் ராமசாமி,
108 , பவளக்காரத் தெரு, ஜெமினி கலர்லேப்,
மண்ணடி, 602 , அன்ன்னாசலை,
சென்னை - 600 001. சென்னை - 600 006.
நகரத்தார் சங்கம்,
காசி நாட்டுக்கோட்டை நகரச்சத்திரம்,
25, ஓவர்சீர் பிள்ளைத் தெரு,
சிவன்கோவில் மேல் வதி,
ீ
சிவகங்கை - 623 560
காரைக்குடி - 630 001
நகரத்தார் சங்கம்,
நகர விடுதி,
பழனியப்பா இல்லம்,
138 , காவிரிப்பூம்பட்டினம்,
15 , இராமசாமி ஆசாரி தெரு,
பூம்புகார் - 609 105
மணப்பறை - 612 306
.நகர விடுதி,
நர்டுக்கொடை நகரத்தார் சங்கம், 18 - ஏ, சங்கர நாயுடு தெரு,
4 , காந்தி பார்க் வடக்கு, கடலூர் - 607 001
கும்பகோணம் - 612 001.
நகர விடுதி,
திருத்தணி நகர் விடுதி, (காளமேகப் பெருமாள் சந்நிதி),
13 , நாட்டுக்கோட்டைச் செட்டியார், திருமோகூர், மதுரை மாவட்டம்.
சித்திரம் தெரு,
திருத்தணி - 631 209 . நகர விடுதி,
தெற்கு ரத வதி,
ீ
Nagarathar House,
நகரச் சத்திரம்,
34, Ezra Street,
தலைக்காவேரி, Calcutta - 700 001.
(வழி), பாக மண்டலா,
Nattukottai Nagara Satram,
149, Mori, Daraganji - Post,
குடங்கு மாவட்டம், Allahabhad - 211 006.
U.P. India.
.நகரத்தார் முன்னேற்ற சங்கம்,
ஆ. முத்துப்பட்டணம், .Nagarathar House,
ஆத்தங்குடி - 630 101 171, Chand Chowra,
Gaya - 823 001.
Bihar State, India.
நாட்டுக்கோட்டை நகரத்தார் சங்கம்,
Nagar Madam,
கோகலே ஹால் தெரு, Trarkewsar, (Near Calcutta)
West Bengal, India.
.Mumbai Nagarathar Social,
Cultural Associate, Nagarathar Sangam,
17/190, Shanthi Nikethan, 39/1493, Kuriyathai Road,
Building, Garodia Nagar, Tiruvandrum - 695 009.
Chikopur (E), Mumbai - 400 077. Kerala.
NAGARATHAR GURUPEEDANGAL
Koviloor Madalayam Sree Ravindra Swamigal Nagarathar Upathesa
52, Kuppiah Chetty Street, Gurupeedam
West Mambalam, Patharakudi - 630307
Chennai - 600033 Phone: 04565-236185
Phone: 044-23716507
Sree Nirambiya Alagiya Desigaraya
Seervalarseer Thavathiru Nachiyappa Adigal, Ngganaprakasa Desiga Swamigal Nagarathar
Koviloor Madalayam Near Karaikudi Pengal Gurupeedam
Koviloor - 630307 Thulavur Madam
Phone: 04565-236846 Kundrakudi-630206
Sivagangai District
Phone: 04577-264446
(http://nagaratharmalar.com/index.php )
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 natural
and 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.
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
Chettiyar’s’ 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 like 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.
* 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.
* 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 )