Porutham: The Tamil 10-Point Marriage Compatibility System
Porutham (Thirumana Porutham) is the South-Indian system of marriage compatibility, computed from the bride's and groom's birth nakshatras. Where North India uses the 36-Guna Ashtakoota system, Tamil tradition checks 10 poruthams — Dina, Gana, Yoni, Rasi, Rasiyathipathi, Vasya, Rajju, Vedha, Varna and Nadi.
Each porutham examines a different layer: Dina looks at longevity and daily harmony, Yoni at emotional and physical compatibility, Rajju and Vedha flag traditional doshas, and Nadi checks health and offspring considerations. Most matches pass 7-8 of the 10; a score of 7 or more is traditionally considered acceptable.
The 10 Poruthams Explained
Dina Porutham counts the nakshatras between the pair — certain counts are considered auspicious. Gana Porutham compares the Deva/Manusha/Rakshasa nature of the stars. Yoni Porutham compares the animal symbols of the nakshatras. Rasi Porutham checks the moon-sign positions. Rasiyathipathi compares the lords of the moon signs. Vasya checks mutual control between the rashis. Rajju groups the nakshatras into three bands — same band is a dosha. Vedha flags specific obstructing star pairs. Varna compares the traditional caste-varna of the signs. Nadi checks the Adi/Madhya/Antya birth-humour groups — same nadi is a dosha.
Porutham vs Guna Milan
Porutham (10 points) and Guna Milan (36 points) are different systems from different traditions — Tamil Nadu and Kerala predominantly use Porutham, while North India uses Ashtakoota. They often agree on the fundamentals (Nadi and Yoni appear in both). Use the system of your family tradition, and treat both as screening tools rather than verdicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good porutham score?
Traditionally 7 or more out of 10 is acceptable, with the critical poruthams being Nadi, Rajju, Vedha and Yoni. Many couples proceed with a score of 5-6 when the critical poruthams pass and exceptions apply.
Which poruthams are most important?
Nadi, Rajju, Vedha and Yoni are considered the critical ones. Dina and Rasi also carry strong weight in most traditions.
How is porutham calculated?
It uses the birth nakshatra (and its moon sign) of both partners. Our calculator follows the classical tables; for marriage decisions, families traditionally confirm with a qualified astrologer.
Can porutham be calculated by name?
Proper porutham needs birth nakshatras, which require birth details. Name-based checks are only approximations.