Ashtakoot Guna Milan — How the 36 Gunas Are Calculated
Ashtakoot Milan compares two Moon charts across eight factors totalling 36 Gunas. Families across India use this score in marriage discussions — here is what each Koota actually measures and how to read results beyond the number.
Related: Kundli Milan · Patrika matching · Vivah compatibility
The eight Kootas at a glance
Each Koota awards a maximum score: Varna (1), Vashya (2), Tara (3), Yoni (4), Graha Maitri (5), Gana (6), Bhakoot (7), and Nadi (8). Moon sign and Nakshatra of bride and groom drive most comparisons.
- Varna — spiritual / ego compatibility (1 point)
- Vashya — mutual influence and control (2 points)
- Tara — health and wellbeing from birth stars (3 points)
- Yoni — temperament and nature from animal symbols (4 points)
- Graha Maitri — friendship between Moon-sign lords (5 points)
- Gana — Deva, Manushya, Rakshasa temperament (6 points)
- Bhakoot — prosperity and family harmony (7 points)
- Nadi — health of progeny; zero Nadi match is heavily weighted (8 points)
What score is “good enough”?
Tradition often cites 18/36 as minimum acceptable, 24+ as good, and 32+ as excellent. Nadi Koota scoring zero (same Nadi) was historically considered serious; many traditions also document Nadi Bhanga (cancellation) rules.
Experienced Jyotishis never stop at the number. They examine seventh house strength, Venus and Jupiter, Navamsha harmony, Mangal Dosha, and running Dashas. AstroReeti shows the full Koota breakdown plus synastry notes so families discuss specifics, not only totals.
Limits of Guna Milan alone
High Gunas with weak seventh lords or overlapping malefic Dashas can still struggle. Moderate Gunas with strong Venus and supportive transits may thrive. Milan is guidance for compatibility conversation — not a verdict on human connection.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 18 Gunas enough for marriage?
- Traditionally it is the minimum threshold, but chart-level Milan and family context matter equally.
- What if Nadi scores zero?
- Review Nadi Bhanga rules and full chart Milan with a qualified Jyotishi; AstroReeti flags Nadi and cancellation notes.
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