# Elur Chetty

Elur Chetty (also called Elur Chettu or Ezhur Chetty or Ezhoor Chetty) is a [Tamil/ Malayalam] speaking Hindu community in South India. They are said to have migrated from Kaveripoompattanam in Thanjavur District and settled in Kanyakumari District. They come under the common name of Chetty which includes other communities such as Kottar Chetty, Parakka Chetty, Vellalar Chetty, Pathira Chetty, Valayal Chetty, Pudukottai vallanattu Chetty, Nattukkottai Chetty etc. They were once a trading community and were distinct from the other Chetty communities. Later Kottar, Thiruvananthapuram, Therusanamkoppu, Nagercoil, Chennai, Thalakkulam, Eraniel (Melatheru), Tiruchchirappalli, Coimbatore and Madurai.

## Etymology

The name is derived from "Ezhu ooru" meaning "seven towns". The seven towns were in and around the Kanyakumari District in South Tamil Nadu, India, namely Eraniel, Thiruvithancode, Padmanabhapuram, Colachel, Ganapathipuram, Midalam, and Parakkai. They are called Keezhatheru Chetty.

## History

The Ezhur Chetty community originally hailed from Kaveripoompattinam (modern-day Puhar, Nagapattinam), which was part of the Chola Empire. The community was affluent and engaged in sea trade. The town was devastated by a tsunami around AD 79, on August 23/24, which led to the migration of the community to various other regions.
Following the disaster, the Ezhur Chetty people left behind their properties and prosperous life, taking with them their family deities—Vinayaka (the elephant god) and Nagaramman (the snake goddess). They migrated across the Cauvery River to the regions under the control of the Pandya and Chera dynasties. Some of the migrated people settled in over 93 places, including Karaikudi, Devakkottai, Thiruppur, Kovilpatti, Thazhayoothu, Valliyur, and Kottar.

### Migration and settlement

The people who reached Kottar performed a ritual offering to the **Vinayaka** idol. However, when they attempted to remove the idol, they were unable to do so, leading to the establishment of the Kottar Chetty community. Later, the Kottar Pillayar Temple was constructed in honor of Vinayaka.
The remaining members of the community reached Eraniel (formerly Hiranyasimhanallur), located near the shore of the Valli River. They arrived on the last Sunday of the Chithirai month in the Tamil calendar, which coincided with the Aayilyam Nakshatra. There, they established a religious center and placed idols of Nagaramman, Thangammai, and Thayammai.
On that night, they prepared a special offering (nivedyam) of raw rice flour, banana (locally known as Matty), cardamom, dried ginger, coconut, and jaggery. This mixture was shaped into a rectangular form resembling a brick, wrapped in banana and coconut leaves, and tied with the root of the Kaithai plant. The offering was baked using coconut husk and presented to the gods. This ritual came to be known as the Odupparai Kolukkattai.
The community continues to celebrate the Odupparai Nagaramman Temple festival to this day, where families and community members gather to honor their traditions.

### Religious practices

The religious practices of the Ezhur Chetty community have a significant focus on the worship of Vinayaka and Nagaramman. The Odupparai Kolukkattai ritual, with its unique offering, is an essential part of their cultural identity. The community has maintained these practices since their migration and settlement in Eraniel.

### Trade and economic role

After settling in Eraniel the Ezhur Chetty community sought permission from the Chera King to conduct trade. With **Eraniel** as their base, they engaged in trade across the southern regions, covering areas such as Ganapathipuram (Pazhaya Kadai), Parakkai, Colachel, Midalam, Thiruvithancode, and Padmanabhapuram. The community's involvement in trade contributed significantly to the economic development of these regions.

### Notable figures

The earliest known figures from the Ezhur Chetty community who settled in Eraniel were Umayammai and Pitcha Pillai, descendants of Unnaamalai. Their descendants include Kolappa Pillai, Subramonia Pillai, and Sivathanu Pillai, who played important roles in the community’s growth and trade activities.

## Legacy

The Ezhur Chetty community's migration story is an integral part of the cultural and religious history of southern India. Their establishment of trade routes, religious centers, and preservation of unique rituals has left a lasting impact on the regions they settled in. The community's continued adherence to its traditions, particularly the Odupparai Kolukkattai celebration, has kept its legacy alive.

## 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.

## Classification

Elur Chetty was classified under Other Backward Class (OBC) in Tamil Nadu (in Kanyakumari District) and Kerala as per Mandal Commission.