Chettinad is known for its unique mansions, but the living heritage of this region is just as exceptional. Chettiar clan temples and animist and shamanic sanctuaries of the Tamil Gods offer glimpses into a local culture that remains active in religious structures and spaces that may be man-made, or developed from natural land formations.
Chettiar Clan Temples:
A strong traditional culture has been preserved by the Chettiar community of Chettinad. The community is organized around nine clan temples. Each member of the Chettiar community belongs to a clan and each clan has its own temple run by its committee.
Ayannar Shrines:
Ayannar, the Tamil God “of everything”– rain maker and god of children, cattle, villages, earth, nature and villagers – is omnipresent in rural areas. He is typically honored at outdoor shrines with brightly painted, or natural colored terra-cotta offerings which are left at the site permanently. The season of offerings is between April and September and the ritual lasts usually three days.
Mariamman Temples:
Mariamman is the Hindu goddess of weather, and the translation of her name is literally “Rain Mother.” As the bringer of rain, she also is the harbinger of prosperity. She is the deity of life and fertility and especially revered by women as she can also cure serious diseases like smallpox in children. Although every day is dedicated to her, the main festivals take place during the months of March and April. There is great fervor during these festivities, with thousands of devotees gathering in her honor.
