Porondam explained: the Sinhala system and Ashta Koota
By the Muthumina team ·
What Porondam actually checks, how the 36-point Ashta Koota score works, and how Sinhala families traditionally read the result.
For many Sri Lankan families, checking the horoscopes is one of the first steps after a proposal comes in. This guide explains what Porondam checks and how to read the result, without the jargon.
What Porondam compares
Porondam compares the position of the moon when each person was born. Two things matter most: the moon sign (rashi, one of 12) and the birth star (nakshatra, one of 27). Because the moon moves into a new birth star roughly every day, the date, time and place of birth all affect the result.
The Ashta Koota score (out of 36)
The most widely used system scores eight factors, called koota:
- Varna (1 point): spiritual and temperamental compatibility
- Vashya (2 points): mutual attraction and influence
- Tara or Dina (3 points): health and well-being
- Yoni (4 points): physical compatibility
- Graha Maitri (5 points): friendship between the moon-sign lords
- Gana (6 points): nature and temperament
- Rashi or Bhakoot (7 points): family welfare and prosperity
- Nadi (8 points): health and children
Traditionally, 18 points or more is considered acceptable, above 24 good, and above 28 very good.
The Sinhala checks
Sinhala astrologers usually look at extra factors as well. The best known is Rajju: when both birth stars fall in the same Rajju group, many families treat it as a serious mismatch even if the total score is high. Mahendra looks at family and children, and Stree Deergha at the bride's long-term well-being.
Why the birth time matters
The moon moves into a new birth star about once a day and into a new moon sign every two to three days. A birth close to one of those boundaries can land in a different star depending on the exact time. Use the time on the birth certificate and the town where the person was born, not where the family lives now. If the time isn't known, an astrologer may estimate it, but treat the result with more caution.
When the score is low
A low total isn't always a firm no. Families and astrologers usually look at which koota scored low: a missing Nadi or Rashi point tends to weigh more than a low Varna. Some families accept a lower score when the full horoscopes balance it out. It's the start of a conversation, not a verdict.
How to use the result
Porondam is a cultural tradition, not a scientific prediction. Many families use it as one input among several: values, education, family background and, above all, whether the couple get on. If a result is borderline, an astrologer can look at both full horoscopes, not only the moon.
You can check Porondam free for any two people, without signing up.
On Muthumina, the Porondam result is shown on every profile with birth details, so you can see it before you send an interest. Browse Sinhala Buddhist brides, Buddhist grooms, Hindu brides or Hindu grooms.