Kundli Matching Explained: Ashtakoota Guna Milan and the 36 Gunas, Koota by Koota

Quick answer: Kundli matching, or Ashtakoota Guna Milan, compares the bride's and groom's Moon nakshatras and Moon signs across eight kootas (factors). Their points add up to 36: Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8. Traditionally, at least 18 points is commonly cited as the minimum, and Nadi and Bhakoot are given special weight. It is one traditional input among many, not a prediction of how a marriage will go.

What kundli matching is, and where it comes from

In Vedic astrology (Jyotisha), marriage compatibility has long been assessed by comparing the two birth charts. The most widely used method in North and West India is Ashtakoota, literally "eight groups". Each koota looks at a different aspect of the relationship as traditionally described: temperament, mutual attraction, friendship of mind, health and family continuity, and so on.

Every koota is calculated only from two pieces of information for each person: the Moon's nakshatra (birth star, one of the 27 nakshatras) and the Moon's rashi (Moon sign). Both come from the sidereal chart, which most Indian software calculates with the Lahiri ayanamsa. That is why a reliable birth time matters: the Moon moves about 13 degrees a day, so a wrong time can occasionally change the nakshatra, and with it the score.

Schools differ. Parashari-based tables are the most common, but point tables for Yoni, Vashya and Gana vary slightly between almanacs, so two apps can give a 22 and a 23 for the same couple. South India mostly uses a different system, the ten poruthams.

The eight kootas and their points

Notice that the weights rise from 1 to 8. The kootas at the bottom of the list, Gana, Bhakoot and Nadi, together carry 21 of the 36 points, which is why a couple who match on those three are often described as well matched even before the others are added.

Each koota in plain words

Varna (1 point)

The twelve signs are grouped into four varnas by element: water signs (Karka, Vrishchika, Meena) as Brahmin, fire signs (Mesha, Simha, Dhanu) as Kshatriya, earth signs (Vrishabha, Kanya, Makara) as Vaishya and air signs (Mithuna, Tula, Kumbha) as Shudra. Traditionally the point is given when the groom's varna is equal to or higher than the bride's. Many modern astrologers treat this koota lightly because it carries only one point and reflects an old social framework.

Vashya (2 points)

Signs are placed in categories such as human (Manava), four-footed (Chatushpada), water-dwelling (Jalachara), wild (Vanachara) and insect (Keeta). Same or naturally compatible categories score up to 2; the exact table varies between sources.

Tara (3 points)

Count the nakshatras from the bride's birth star to the groom's (counting the starting star as 1), divide by 9 and look at the remainder. Remainders of 3, 5 and 7 (Vipat, Pratyak and Naidhana tara) are considered unfavourable. The count is done both ways, and each favourable direction earns 1.5 points.

Yoni (4 points)

Each nakshatra is linked to an animal (yoni), such as horse, elephant, sheep, serpent, dog, cat, rat, cow, buffalo, tiger, deer, monkey, mongoose and lion. The same yoni scores 4, friendly yonis score less, and traditionally hostile pairs, such as cat and rat or snake and mongoose, score 0.

Graha Maitri (5 points)

This compares the planetary lords of the two Moon signs. If both lords are friends, the score is 5; friend and neutral, 4; both neutral, 3; friend and enemy, 1; neutral and enemy, 0.5; both enemies, 0. It is read as a sign of mental compatibility.

Gana (6 points)

Each nakshatra has a temperament: Deva (gentle, divine), Manushya (human) or Rakshasa (fierce, independent). The same gana scores 6. Deva with Manushya scores well, while Rakshasa with Manushya is traditionally the least favoured combination; the exact points vary between tables.

Bhakoot (7 points)

Count the Moon signs from one partner to the other, both ways. If the pair falls at 1/1 (same sign), 3/11, 4/10 or 7/7, the full 7 points are given. If it is 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8, the score is 0 and this is called Bhakoot dosha. Of these, 6/8 (shashtashtaka) is traditionally viewed with the most caution.

Nadi (8 points)

The 27 nakshatras are divided into three Nadis. If the two birth stars fall in different Nadis, the score is 8; if they share the same Nadi, it is 0 and this is called Nadi dosha, traditionally associated with concerns about health and progeny. Because it carries the most points, many families pay close attention to it.

Commonly cited exceptions for Nadi and Bhakoot dosha

Classical and later texts list circumstances in which these doshas are said to be cancelled or reduced. The lists vary between schools, and different astrologers accept different items, so treat the following as examples rather than a rulebook:

• Nadi: both partners have the same Moon sign but different nakshatras; or the same nakshatra but different Moon signs (possible for stars that span two signs, such as Krittika); or, in some traditions, the same nakshatra but different padas.
• Bhakoot: the lords of the two Moon signs are the same planet (for example Mesha and Vrishchika, both ruled by Mars, which form a 6/8 pair) or are mutual friends.
• Overall: some astrologers also give weight to strong Graha Maitri, or to compatibility seen in the navamsa (D9) chart. See our navamsa chart guide.

Mangal dosha (Manglik or Kuja dosha) is checked separately from the 36 points, because it depends on the whole chart, not just the Moon. Read Mangal dosha explained for how different schools reckon it.

Worked example: scoring a few kootas by hand

This is an illustration with made-up placements, not anyone's real chart. Suppose the bride's Moon is in Rohini nakshatra, Vrishabha rashi and the groom's Moon is in Pushya nakshatra, Karka rashi.

• Tara: from Rohini (4th star) to Pushya (8th star) is 5, and 5 divided by 9 leaves 5, an unfavourable tara. From Pushya to Rohini is 24, which leaves 6, a favourable tara. One direction counts, so Tara = 1.5 out of 3.
• Bhakoot: from Vrishabha to Karka is the 3rd sign, and from Karka back to Vrishabha is the 11th. A 3/11 pair is favourable, so Bhakoot = 7 out of 7.
• Nadi: Rohini is Antya and Pushya is Madhya, so the Nadis differ. Nadi = 8 out of 8.
• Varna: the groom's Karka is a water sign (Brahmin) and the bride's Vrishabha an earth sign (Vaishya). Varna = 1 out of 1.
• Graha Maitri: Karka is ruled by the Moon and Vrishabha by Venus. The Moon treats Venus as neutral, while Venus treats the Moon as an enemy, so Graha Maitri = 0.5 out of 5.
• Gana: Rohini is Manushya and Pushya is Deva, a combination that scores well, though the exact figure depends on the table used.

Already 18 points come from five kootas, with Yoni, Vashya and Gana still to add from their lookup tables. The example also shows how lopsided scores can be: a weak Graha Maitri sits beside a full Nadi and Bhakoot. That is exactly why astrologers read the pattern, not just the total.

What the score does and does not tell you

The common bands are: below 18, traditionally not recommended; 18 to 24, acceptable; 25 to 32, good; above 32, very good. But even within Jyotisha, the total is never the last word. A high score with Nadi dosha is often treated with more caution than a moderate score without it, and most practitioners also look at the lagna, the seventh house, the navamsa, Mangal dosha and the running dashas of both people.

Outside astrology, the things that sustain a marriage, such as shared values, respect, communication, health, family support and readiness for responsibility, are not measured by any koota. Many families today use Guna Milan as one conversation-starter alongside meeting each other and talking openly. If you follow Jyotisha, consult a qualified family astrologer who explains the reasoning, and be wary of anyone who uses a low score to sell expensive rituals or gemstones.

Tips for NRI families

• Use the birth time and place as recorded on the birth certificate. The chart is cast for the place of birth, so a person born in Toronto has a Toronto chart even if the family is from Hyderabad.
• If an app and the family astrologer disagree by a point or two, it is usually because of different Yoni, Vashya or Gana tables, or a different ayanamsa. Ask which tables were used.
• If one partner does not know their birth time, many astrologers can still compare Moon nakshatras if the date is known, though stars change during the day, so confirm which nakshatra prevailed at birth.
• For a gentle devotional practice before an engagement, many families recite the Navagraha Stotram or pray to the family deity together.

Frequently asked questions

How many gunas should match for marriage?

The figure most commonly cited is at least 18 out of 36. Many astrologers describe 18 to 24 as acceptable, 25 to 32 as good and above 32 as very good. These bands are conventions, not rules from a single scripture, and most astrologers say the score must be read together with Nadi, Bhakoot, Mangal dosha and the full charts.

Is kundli matching done on the Moon sign or the Sun sign?

On the Moon. All eight kootas are worked out from the Moon's nakshatra (birth star) and the Moon's sign (rashi) in each person's sidereal birth chart, usually calculated with the Lahiri ayanamsa. The Western Sun sign plays no part.

What is Nadi dosha?

Nadi dosha is when both partners' birth stars belong to the same Nadi group (Aadi, Madhya or Antya), which gives zero out of eight points in the Nadi koota. It is traditionally given great weight. Commonly cited exceptions include the same rashi with different nakshatras, or the same nakshatra with different rashis or padas, but the lists vary between schools.

Can a couple with low gunas still marry?

Yes, and many do. In Vedic astrology the guna score is one traditional input, not a verdict. Families who follow Jyotisha usually ask a trusted astrologer to look at both full charts, and many couples simply place more weight on shared values, family understanding and their own judgement.

What is the difference between Guna Milan and Porutham?

Both compare birth stars. Guna Milan (Ashtakoota) is the North Indian method with eight kootas scored out of 36. Porutham is the South Indian method with ten checks that are usually marked as agreed or not agreed, with special weight on Rajju and Vedhai. See our porutham guide for a side-by-side table.

Are there remedies if the gunas do not match?

Families who seek a devotional response usually turn to prayer, for example reciting the Navagraha Stotram, worshipping the family deity, or giving in charity. Remedies are a matter of faith and comfort; no ritual guarantees any outcome in a marriage, and nothing needs to be bought.

Editor's note (9 October 2026)

This guide explains Ashtakoota Guna Milan as it is traditionally described by practitioners of Vedic astrology. The koota weights (1 to 8, total 36), the Gana and Nadi groupings and the Bhakoot rule are the standard Parashari-style tables used by most Indian almanacs; individual point tables for Yoni, Vashya and Gana vary slightly between sources, and the 18-guna threshold and the exception lists are conventions that differ between schools. The worked example uses invented placements. This is general information, not personal advice; for decisions, speak with your family, and with a qualified astrologer if you follow Jyotisha.

Related guides

• Porutham: the 10 poruthams of South Indian marriage matching
• Mangal dosha (Manglik) explained
• The 27 nakshatras: names, deities and lords
• Navamsa (D9) chart explained
• Lagna and the 12 houses explained
• Navagraha Stotram: lyrics, meaning and benefits
• Mantras for a strong marriage and relationship