In many Indian families, matching kundlis is one of the first steps after a proposal. The most common method is Ashtakoot Guna Milan, which gives a score out of 36.
Where the 36 points come from
Guna Milan compares the bride's and groom's Moon sign (rashi) and birth star (nakshatra) across eight areas, called kootas:
| Koota | Points | What it looks at |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 1 | Temperament and work nature |
| Vashya | 2 | Mutual attraction and influence |
| Tara | 3 | Health and well-being through birth stars |
| Yoni | 4 | Physical and intimate compatibility |
| Graha Maitri | 5 | Friendship between the Moon-sign lords; mental match |
| Gana | 6 | Nature: Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa |
| Bhakoot | 7 | Family welfare and prosperity |
| Nadi | 8 | Health and children |
| Total | 36 |
What the score means
Traditionally:
- Below 18: not recommended
- 18–24: average, acceptable
- 25–32: very good
- 33–36: excellent
A high score isn't a guarantee, and a lower one isn't a verdict. Many families also look at the whole chart, and above all at how the couple get along.
Nadi and Bhakoot dosha
The two kootas with the most points can also give zero, which families take seriously:
- Nadi dosha: both have the same Nadi (Adi, Madhya or Antya), so Nadi scores 0 out of 8. Traditional texts list exceptions, such as the same nakshatra but different rashis.
- Bhakoot dosha: the Moon signs sit 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 places apart, so Bhakoot scores 0 out of 7.
Manglik (Mangal) dosha is separate from the 36 points and is checked from the full birth chart.
Match two kundlis in a minute
Our free Kundli Milan tool works out the Moon sign and nakshatra from the date and time of birth, then scores all eight kootas with a short explanation of each. If you already know your nakshatras from the family kundli, you can enter them directly.
Kundli Milan (Guna Matching)36-point Ashtakoota matching from birth details, with explanations.Open →When the match is fixed, make a biodata and a wedding invitation in minutes.
Guna Milan is a traditional practice. This article explains how it works; it isn't advice about whom to marry.
