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Beating the Muslim army
 Kambalathu Nayakkars were once the natives of Bellary in Andhra Predesh, which later became a part of Karnataka. It was ruled by the Muslim kings then. It is said the Kambalathu Nayakkar's women were forced to marry the men from the Muslim kings' family.
Two women were married against their wishes and when they came to ask for a third one, the Nayakkars had no option but to accede to their demand. The wedding preparations started and one of the food items that the Muslims prepared was made of beef. The Nayakkars were shocked beyond words and to extricate themselves from the problem, they dressed up a dog like a bride and ran away from the place.
They prayed to their family goddess Chakka Devi (who spoke through Pattakarar, their family guru) and told them that she was in a bamboo basket under the 'aavaram' plant (senna plant). She told them not to worry and that she would protect them by being a mother and God. The Nayakkars followed her directions and carried her in the bamboo basket and started their journey towards Tamil
Nadu.
River Cauvery was overflowing its banks. The Nayakkars prayed to Chakka Devi to help them in their crisis as the Muslim army was behind them.
'Aakenda Kanagalu Ekenda Vali
Ekenda Kanagalu Aakenda Vali
Thulagani Sambandham Thegilsi Ochindhanayya?
- Avvayya - (Aamam Ayya)'
 They prayed to Chakka Devi that the trees on the other side of the bank should bend towards them and vice versa. By Chakka Devi's grace, it so happened and the Nayakkars crossed the river. The trees returned to their original position and the Muslim army, which had arrived by then, were unable to cross the flooded river.
The Nayakkars who migrated to Tamil Nadu destroyed a part of the forest, built homes, created farm lands and started their new lease of life. Since it was the time when the kings were Nayakkars, they led a luxurious life as zamins and polygars
(Palayathukarar).
In the beginning their occupation was mainly hunting, predicting one's future with implied meanings, Kodaangi Adithal, and agriculture. Kambalathu Nayakkars are divided into nine sects. Some say it is 18, but the three most important sects are:
1. Sillavaar
2. Kollavaar
3. Thokkalavaar
In this the Sillavaar sect is also called Rajakambalam sect and it is said Pattakarar sect originated from this sect.
Pooja is performed for Chakka Devi during the month of Chithirai (3rd Monday). The next day, they offer a ram as sacrifice to the goddess and then the rituals are performed.
They worship the trees 'punga maram' and 'moongil', and 'koraipul' which helped them to escape from the Muslim army. Chakka Devi is said to be a Shakti avatar and it is believed that she has given immense power to the women of Kambalathu Nayakkar tribe.
The occupations that were once their livelihood are still followed by some. The Kambalathu Nayakkars live now in Nellai, Thoothukudi, Madurai and Salem districts.
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