About the Kundli Matching (36 Gunas)
Kundli matching, or Guna Milan, is the traditional Vedic way of assessing compatibility for marriage. The most widely used method in North India is Ashtakoot — 'eight factors' — which compares the Moon positions of two people and awards up to 36 points (gunas). Families have used it for centuries as a first screen before looking at the full charts.
The eight koots carry increasing weight. Varna (1 point) compares spiritual temperament. Vashya (2) looks at mutual influence. Tara (3) compares the birth stars for well-being. Yoni (4) uses the animal symbol of each nakshatra to describe instinctive compatibility. Graha Maitri (5) checks whether the lords of the two Moon signs are friends — a key indicator of mental wavelength. Gana (6) compares nature: Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa. Bhakoot (7) examines the distance between Moon signs for family welfare and finances. Nadi (8), the heaviest, compares constitutional type and is traditionally linked with health and children.
A total of 18 or more is generally considered acceptable, 24 and above good, and 28+ excellent. Two factors get special attention: Nadi dosha (both partners in the same nadi, scoring 0 of 8) and Bhakoot dosha (2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 sign relationships). Classical texts list exceptions for both — for instance, when the two Moon signs share the same lord — which an astrologer will check.
Our tool shows each koot with both partners' values and points, the total, and Mangal dosha status for both charts. It uses the Lahiri ayanamsa and the Moon's exact position, so it works even for couples born in different countries and time zones.
Please remember that guna milan is one piece of a much larger picture. Values, communication and mutual respect matter more than any number, and a professional reading compares the full charts — the 7th house, Venus, Jupiter and the dashas both partners will run together.
How to use this tool
- Enter the boy's and girl's birth details.
- See all 8 koots and the total out of 36.
- Check Nadi, Bhakoot and Mangal dosha notes.
How we calculate: planetary positions come from the open-source astronomy-engine library (accurate to well under an arc-minute for these purposes), converted to the sidereal zodiac with the Lahiri (Chitrapaksha) ayanamsa. Time zones and historical daylight-saving rules are looked up from your birthplace, so a 1985 birth in Chicago or a 1972 birth in Delhi is converted correctly. Houses are whole-sign from the Lagna, and Rahu/Ketu use the mean node. Results are for self-reflection and education; they are not medical, legal or financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good guna score?
18+ is the traditional minimum, 24+ is good and 28+ excellent — but the score alone shouldn't decide a marriage.
What is Nadi dosha?
When both partners share the same nadi, Nadi koot scores 0. Traditional exceptions exist, such as different nakshatras with the same sign.
Do we need exact birth times?
Matching mainly uses the Moon, which moves slowly enough that a rough time usually works — unless the Moon was near a nakshatra boundary.
Can a low score be remedied?
Families often perform specific pujas (e.g. for Nadi or Mangal dosha) and consult an astrologer about the whole charts.
Want a personal reading?
Our Jyotish Acharyas can explain your chart over video in English or Hindi.
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