known as the 'Odupparai Kolukkattai'. Since then, the Odupparai Nagaramman Temple celebrations are being held to this day and the family and community meet together. The community members then met the Chera King and sought permission to conduct trade. Trading then commenced, with Eraniel as the base, covering Ganapathipuram (Pazhaya Kadai), Parakkai, Colachel, Midalam, Thiruvithancode and Padmanabhapuram. Hence they were called Ezhur (meaning '7 towns') Chetty community. The earliest known people from the community who settled in Eraniel were Umayammai and Pitcha Pillai (descendant of Unnaamalai). Their offspring are Kolappa Pillai, Subramonia Pillai and Sivathanu Pillai. Temples Odupparai Nagaramman Temple is the community temple of Elur Chetty community. The temple is situated nearby Eraniel (Hiranyasimha nallur). Monthly poojas are carried out on the last Sunday of the Tamil calendar. Kottar Desia Vinayagar Temple is the community temple of Kottar Chetty Community. The temple is situated on the centre of the Nagercoil Town at Chettikulam and managed by Trustees of Desia Vinayagar Devasthanam and trustees are elected by the male members of the Kottar Chetty. Daily and Vishesa Poojas are carried by Trustees. The temple owns vast areas of land and properties in the Nagercoil Town. Kattalai Nagaramman Temple is another temple of the community. References External links Ezhur Chetty Website Chennai Ezhur Chetty Website Indian castes Kerala society Tamil society Social groups of Tamil Nadu