Guna Milan (Ashtakoota matching) compares the Moon nakshatras of two people across eight kootas worth 36 points in all — Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8. Traditionally 18 points is the minimum for a match, but the score is a first filter: the full charts of both partners decide.
What is Guna Milan?
Guna Milan, also called Ashtakoota milan, is the classical north Indian method of kundli matching. It takes the nakshatra and sign of each partner's Moon and scores eight factors, or kootas. Each koota carries a fixed number of points, and their total out of 36 is the "guna" score families ask about.
You can calculate it for any two birth details with the free kundli matching tool.
What are the eight kootas and their points?
| # | Koota | Points | What it compares |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Varna | 1 | Spiritual and working temperament |
| 2 | Vashya | 2 | Mutual influence and attraction |
| 3 | Tara (Dina) | 3 | Birth-star compatibility; wellbeing |
| 4 | Yoni | 4 | Physical and instinctive compatibility |
| 5 | Graha Maitri | 5 | Friendship of the two Moon-sign lords; mental affinity |
| 6 | Gana | 6 | Nature: deva, manushya or rakshasa |
| 7 | Bhakoot | 7 | Moon-sign relationship; prosperity and family |
| 8 | Nadi | 8 | Constitution and progeny; the heaviest koota |
| Total | 36 |
The points rise with the weight of the factor, so Nadi (8) and Bhakoot (7) together carry 15 of the 36 points.
How do you read a Guna Milan score?
- Below 18: traditionally not recommended without a full chart review.
- 18–24: average; acceptable when the charts support it.
- 25–32: good.
- 33–36: excellent.
Where the points are lost matters as much as the total: losing Nadi or Bhakoot is weighed more seriously than losing Varna or Vashya.
What are Nadi dosha and Bhakoot dosha?
Nadi dosha occurs when both partners share the same Nadi — Aadi, Madhya or Antya — scoring 0 of 8. Bhakoot dosha occurs when the two Moon signs stand in a 2–12, 5–9 or 6–8 relationship, scoring 0 of 7. Both have classical exceptions (parihara) — for instance, a shared Moon-sign lord or friendly lords for Bhakoot — so they are judged in the full charts, not from the score alone.
What does Guna Milan not show?
Guna Milan looks only at the two Moons. A complete match also reads each partner's 7th house and its lord, Venus, Mangal dosha, the Navamsa (D9) and the dashas both will run after marriage. That is why a moderate score with strong charts can be a better match than a high score with serious chart issues.
See the Navamsa (D9) guide for the marriage chart, and the marriage and compatibility guide for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Guna Milan score?
Traditionally 18 of 36 is the minimum for a match. Scores of 18–24 are considered average, 25–32 good and 33–36 excellent — but the score is only the first step of matching.
What are the eight kootas of Guna Milan?
Varna (1 point), Vashya (2), Tara or Dina (3), Yoni (4), Graha Maitri (5), Gana (6), Bhakoot (7) and Nadi (8), adding up to 36.
What is Nadi dosha?
Nadi dosha arises when both partners have the same Nadi (Aadi, Madhya or Antya), giving 0 of 8 points in the Nadi koota. Classical texts list exceptions — for example the same Moon sign with different nakshatras — which is why it is checked in the full charts rather than from the score alone.
Does a high score guarantee a happy marriage?
No. Guna Milan compares only the two Moon nakshatras. The 7th house, Venus, Mangal dosha, the Navamsa and the running dashas of both partners are read alongside; a high score with serious chart issues is weaker than a moderate score with strong charts.
What if our Guna Milan score is low?
A low score calls for a full reading of both charts, not an automatic rejection. Many apparent doshas are cancelled by classical exceptions, and the overall charts can support a marriage that the score alone would not.
Can Guna Milan be used for love marriages?
Yes. The method is the same whatever the route to marriage: it compares the two Moon nakshatras, and the charts are read in full alongside it.
Part of our guide: Marriage & Compatibility →
Dr. R.P. Sharma reads both charts personally — score, doshas and exceptions, 7th house and dashas — online for a flat ₹5,100.
Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
Start free: free kundli matching and your free kundli with a 90-page PDF — no signup.