What is Gotra?

Gotra is a term used in Hindu culture to refer to the lineage or ancestry of a person. In Sanskrit, the word "Gotra" means "cowshed" or "family". It is believed that people of the same Gotra share a common ancestor, usually a sage or a rishi from ancient times.

In traditional Hindu society, marriage within the same Gotra is generally considered taboo, as it is believed that people of the same Gotra are related to each other and thus marriage within the same Gotra would be akin to incest. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and in some cases, marriage between people of the same Gotra is allowed, especially if they are from different ancestral lineages.

The practice of maintaining a record of one's Gotra is still prevalent in many Hindu families, and it is considered important for preserving family heritage and traditions.