Porutham

The Tamil word ‘Porutham’ can be taken to mean compatibility or agreeability. Porutham generally refers to the level of compatibility that exists between a prospective bride and groom, as seen through an astrological assessment. This is carried out by comparing their birth charts or horoscopes to see how agreeable they are likely to be as life partners. And only on finding that such compatibility between them exists and is good or alright, they were united in a marital bond.

Marriage and Astrology

Our ancients found over years of observation of the celestial sphere that the heavenly bodies like the stars and planets wielded great influence on the lives of the people on earth and that the study of their placements and movements in the sky can reveal many details about the lives, future, and fortunes of the people. As a consequence, astrology developed as a reliable predictive science over time.

The elders also understood the importance of marriage in a person’s life and what compatibility between the spouses can mean for the success of their marriage. So, they were particular about marrying only an agreeable pair and took the help of astrology to make such zodiac sign compatibility assessment between a boy and girl before deciding about their wedding.
This astrological comparison was done through the matching of the horoscopes of the boy and girl and evaluating their Porutham for marriage. This assessment also goes by the names Thirumana Porutham or Jathaka Porutham, where ‘Thirumanam’ is marriage and ‘Jathagam’ is horoscope in Tamil.

10 Poruthams

While assessing the marriage compatibility between a boy and girl, it is a traditional practice to evaluate 10 important aspects of their married life. Such an agreeability assessment of 10 factors is known by the name Dasa Porutham or 10 Porutham. It is said that originally, people were looking at 20 Poruthams between the boy and girl, but taking into account the changing times and practical considerations, the number was brought down to 10.

These 10 Poruthams evaluate them as a pair taking their personality, body, mind, and characteristics into account, and also assess how fruitful and fulfilling their bond is likely to be, as seen through various factors.

These 10 Poruthams are – Dina Porutham, Gana Porutham, Rajju Porutham, Rasi Porutham, Yoni Porutham, Vedha Porutham, Vasya Porutham, Mahendra Porutham, Sthree Deerga Porutham, and Rasi Adhipathy Porutham.

Dina Porutham is seen as the indicator of health and prosperity, and if found good between a pair, it is believed that the two can enjoy robust health and prosperous life as a couple. Gana Porutham is about temperament and sees the level of affinity the two may enjoy as spouses. Next is Rajju Porutham, which stands as an indicator of the husband’s longevity, and hence is essential for the length and stability of the marriage. Rasi Porutham comes next, which considers the agreeability between Rasis, the Moon signs. A sound Rasi Porutham can ensure a good and peaceful family life. Yoni Porutham is the physical compatibility and is very much necessary for a sexually satisfying life between the two. Vedha Porutham is the next, which, it is believed, can clear difficulties and help them lead a happy life. Vasya Porutham looks at the mutual attraction, and a good agreeability in this regard can ensure a close and intimate relationship. The next Mahendra Porutham is essential for progeny blessing and good children. Sthree Deergam stands for finances, and a strong Porutham in this can denote a wealthy and prosperous married life. Rasi Adhipathy Porutham is the rapport between the Moon-sign overlords and can ensure a wealthy and comfortable life for their children.

But in real-life situations, it is very difficult to find a pair of eligible boys and girls compatible in all the 10 factors. So, at least 5 of these 10 Poruthams are ensured before giving the green signal for marriage. These are – Dina, Gana, Rajju, Rasi, and Yoni Poruthams. Even if these 5, Dina and Rajju are held as paramount. So, for any traditional marriage to be performed, it is ensured that at least Dina and Rajju Poruthams remain sufficiently good between the pair.

It can thus be seen that the matching of the horoscopes, that is, assessing the Thirumana Porutham or Jathaka Porutham between a pair, can help the couple lead a long, prosperous, peaceful, and happy married life.