As concerning the origin of the Nattukottai Chettis, the following story is told. In ancient days, the Vaisyas of the lunar race were living in the town of Santhyapuri in the Naganadu of the Jambudvipa(India). They paid daily visits to the shrine of Vinayaka god made of emerald, and were traders in precious stones. They were much respected, and led the life of orthodox Saivites, wore rudraksha beads, and smeared themselves with sacred ashes. They were, however, much oppressed by a certain ruler, and emigrated in a body to Conjeeveram in the Tondamandalam country in the year 204 of the Kaliyuga. The king of Conjeeveram gave them permission to settle in his territory, and made grants to them of land, temples and matams. They stayed there for a very long time, but, being troubled by heavy taxes and fines, left this part of the country about 2312 Kaliyuga, and settled in the Chola country. The Chola king, being much impressed with them, bestowed on them the privilege of placing the crown on the head of a new ruler at his coronation. At this time, the town of Kaveripumpattanam is said to have been in a very flourishing state, and the north street was occupied by Vaisyas from other countries. Being unwilling to disturb them, the king made the new settlers occupy the east, west, and south streets. As a mark of respect, they were allowed to use flags with the figure of a lion on them, and use golden vessels (kalasam) in their houses. They all, at the instigation of the king, became disciples of one Isanya Sivachariar of Patanjalikshetra (Chidambaram). About 3775 Kaliyuga, Puvandi Chola Raja imprisoned several of the Vaisya women, whereon all the eight thousand Vaisya families destroyed themselves, leaving their male children to be taken care of by a religious teacher named Atmanadhachariar. In all 1,502 children were thus brought up, viz., 600 of six ways from the west street, 502 of seven ways from the east street, and 400 of four ways from the south street. Later on, Puvandi Chola fell ill, and, knowing his recovery to be impossible, sent for the Vaisya boys, and asked them to look after the coronation of his son Rajabhushana Chola. But they said that, as they were bachelors, they could not comply with his request. The king accordingly made them marry Vellala girls. Those of the west street took as wives girls of the Karkaththar section, those of the east street girls of the Sozhia section, and those of the south street girls of the Kaniyala section. The three groups became disciples of three different matams, viz., Tiruvarur, Kumbakonam, and Vanchium. In the year 3790, a dispute arose in connection with the right of priority in receiving sacred ashes between the Vaisya and true Vellala women, and the former were made to become the disciples of a new guru (religious preceptor). About 3808, a Pandya king, named Sundara Pandya, is said to have asked the Chola king to induce some of the Vaisyas to settle down in the Pandya territory. They accordingly