Ashtakoota Guna Milan is the traditional North Indian method of comparing two horoscopes before marriage. It looks at eight factors (kootas), each worth a fixed number of points, for a maximum of 36. All eight are derived from just two inputs: the Moon's sign (rashi) and nakshatra of the bride and of the groom.

The eight kootas

  • Varna (1 point): a classification of the Moon signs into four varnas; traditionally read as temperament or outlook.
  • Vashya (2): groups signs into categories such as human, quadruped and aquatic; read as mutual influence.
  • Tara (3): counts nakshatras from one partner's Moon to the other's, in both directions; read as general well-being.
  • Yoni (4): each nakshatra is linked to an animal symbol; read as physical and instinctive compatibility.
  • Graha Maitri (5): the natural friendship between the lords of the two Moon signs; read as mental rapport.
  • Gana (6): nakshatras are grouped as Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa; read as temperament.
  • Bhakoot (7): the distance between the two Moon signs; the 2/12, 5/9 and 6/8 relationships score zero.
  • Nadi (8): each nakshatra belongs to Adi, Madhya or Antya nadi; the same nadi for both scores zero.

Together these add up to 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36.

The 18-point guideline and the doshas

A common convention treats 18 or more points as acceptable for proceeding. When Nadi scores zero it is called Nadi dosha, and when Bhakoot scores zero it is Bhakoot dosha. Traditions list exceptions: for Nadi, for example, the same nakshatra with a different pada, or the same Moon sign with a different nakshatra; for Bhakoot, when both Moon signs share a lord or the two lords are mutual friends. Which exceptions apply, and how much weight they carry, varies by region and family tradition.

Why a score is not a verdict

Guna Milan compares only the positions of two Moons. It does not see the rest of either chart, and it certainly does not see the two people: their values, families, health, education, expectations and, above all, their free consent. A high score does not guarantee happiness and a low score does not doom a relationship. Many families treat the score as one conversation point among many, and professional pre-marital counselling or medical advice can address concerns that no chart comparison can.

On this platform

The Kundli Milan tool shows every koota with the factors used, flags Nadi, Bhakoot and Gana doshas along with the traditional exceptions that are met, and deliberately gives no compatibility verdict. Traditions may vary by region and Panchang convention; see also Manglik Dosha: a balanced view.