Kundli Milan explained: what the 36 gunas really mean
How Ashtakoot matching works, what each of the eight kootas checks, and why a score is only the starting point for a marriage decision.
Kundli Milan (horoscope matching) is the traditional way Indian families compare two birth charts before marriage. The most common method is Ashtakoot, which compares the two Moon signs and nakshatras across eight aspects, worth 36 points (gunas) in total.
The eight kootas
- Varna (1 point): temperament and spiritual outlook.
- Vashya (2): natural attraction and influence over each other.
- Tara (3): health and well-being, from the nakshatra count.
- Yoni (4): physical and instinctive compatibility.
- Graha Maitri (5): friendship between the Moon sign lords; mental connection.
- Gana (6): nature: Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa.
- Bhakoot (7): the relationship between the two Moon signs; family welfare and finances.
- Nadi (8): health and progeny; the most heavily weighted koota.
What score is good?
Traditionally, 18 or more out of 36 is considered acceptable, 25 to 32 very good, and above 32 excellent. But the total alone can mislead: Nadi or Bhakoot dosha may be present even with a high score, and many such doshas are cancelled by other factors.
Beyond the guna score
A careful match also looks at Manglik dosha in both charts, the 7th house and its lord, Venus and Jupiter, and the running dashas of both people. Above all, astrology should support a decision that two families and two people make with open eyes, not replace it.
Try our free Kundli Milan for the full 36-guna breakdown with Nadi, Bhakoot and Manglik checks.