The Nattukottai Chettiars are divided among themselves on the basis of temples called "Nagara Kovils" (Temples of Lord Shiva). They are divided on the basis of nine temples that have many sub divisions. Marriages can take place among the various divisions. Members of each temple society treat each other as brothers and sisters or "pangalis" and thus marriage is not allowed amongst members of the same temple. Men and women of different temples marry, and the bride automatically becomes a member of the groom's temple. They become a proclaimed member of the community and they are called as a "Pulli". The temples and divisions are as follows:   Illaiyathangudi God : Kailashanathar Swamy Goddess : Solnithya Kalyani Distance from Karaikudi : 25 km Pirivu : (7) Kazhani Vaasarkkudaiyar, Kinginikkoorudaiyar, Okkurudaiyar, Pattanasamiyar, Perusenthurudaiyar, Sirusenthurudaiyar, Perumaruthurudaiyar           Illupaikudi God : Thanthonrieswarar Goddess : Soundaranayaki Distance from Karaikudi : 5 km No Pirivu           Iraniyur God : Desikanathar Goddess : Sivapurandevi Distance from Karaikudi : 25 km No Pirivu           Mathur God : Ainootheswarar Goddess : Periyanayaki Distance from Karaikudi : 5 km Pirivu : (7) Arumbakkur, Kannur, Karuppur, Kulathur, Mannur, Manalur, Uraiyur           Nemam Kovil God : Jayangonda choleeswarar Goddess: Soundharanayagi Distance from Karaikudi : 12 km No Pirivu           Pillaiyarpatti God : Desigavinayaga Pillaiyar (Karpaga Vinayagar) Goddess : Thiruveswarar and Marudeswarar Distance from Karaikudi : 15 km No Pirivu         Soorakkudi God : Desikanathar Goddess : Avudayanayaki Distance from Karaikudi : 10 km No Pirivu           Vairavan Kovil God : Valarolinathar Goddess : Vadivudaiammai Distance from Karaikudi : 15 km Pirivi : (6) Kazhani, Vaasarkkudaiyar, Maruthenthirapuram, Periya vahuppu, Pilliyar vahuppu, Theyyanar vahuppu           Velangudi God : Kandeswarar Goddess : Kamatchiammai Distance from Karaikudi : 10 km No Pirivu