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"Chennama" was a Feminine Divinity worshipped by Nayaka Dynasty Kings.Chennappa(Nayaka),Chennaiya,etc were some names used by Kammavaar Nayakas.One Chennappa Nayakan,who sold a Pattanam (means "small sea port) to britishers--around Fort St.George was Chennappattanm, which has grown into Metropolis CHENNAI today.There is a place called Chennama reddipatii in (former)Aruppukottai Taluk .Chennama metamorphsed to Chelliamma in Tamil.