Hello Sourashtrians, Know Your Gotra !!

A warm welcome to all the Sourashtrians around the world to my blog and this is my first post. Here, by the term " Sourashtrians", I refer to the particular community of people who speak Sourashtra language who maintain predominant presence in Madurai, though found in other parts of Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

What is a Gotra?
In Hindu Society, Gotra associates a person with his ancient ancestor in an unbroken male lineage. For example, If a person says, "I am Jamadagni Gotra", he means that he is a descendant of one of the ancient Saptarishis "Jamadagni". Sourashtra people has got 64 gotras. Some of the famous Sourashtra surnames and their gotras is as follows.

1. konda- Maithreya gotra
2. Thorali- Saaliga gotra
3. Chinnakonda, Thirukonda- Jaabaali gotra
4. Ruppa- Paraasara gotra
5. Seluka- Markandeya Gotra
6. Neelmegh- Jamadagni gotra
7. Puliyadi- Sounaga gotra

Why Gotra matters?

Gotra matters because, Marriages between the same gotras are not permitted in a traditional matrimonial system. Persons within the same gotra are considered as brothers and sisters and marriages between them is a taboo. During wedding ceremony, the gotras of bride and groom are told loudly to ensure that they are not breaking the rule. And that is the reason why a person is allowed to marry his maternal uncle's daughter or his paternal aunt's daughter.

Is it illegal to marry within the gotra?

No, it is not illegal to marry within the gotra. Once Bombay high court called the idea of gotras and common ancestors is impossible to accept and there is no such amendment regarding Gotras in Hindu marriage Act. But still, Gotras are universally used for excluding marriages.

Here, I am adding a link, which contains all the gher naavs and their respective gotra and hope It will me very useful. This book is compiled by our beloved Mr. Thoppen. V. Kubendra.

Sourashtra Gotra and family names book pdf

On a funny note, " Know her Gotra before Knowing her personally " 

Cheers :)