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: