Ashtakoota Guna Milan: The 36-Point Kundali Matching System
Before a marriage, many families compare the horoscopes of the bride and groom using Ashtakoota (ಅಷ್ಟಕೂಟ), the "eight-fold" matching. It compares the two people's Moon nakshatras and Moon signs on eight factors worth 36 points in total.
The eight kootas and their points
| Koota | Max points | What it compares |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Varna | 1 | Spiritual temperament and ego |
| 2. Vashya | 2 | Mutual attraction and influence |
| 3. Tara (Dina) | 3 | Health and well-being, counted from nakshatra to nakshatra |
| 4. Yoni | 4 | Physical and intimate compatibility (animal symbols of nakshatras) |
| 5. Graha Maitri | 5 | Friendship between the Moon-sign lords; mental wavelength |
| 6. Gana | 6 | Temperament: Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa |
| 7. Bhakoot (Rashi) | 7 | Relative position of the Moon signs; family welfare and finances |
| 8. Nadi | 8 | Constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha); health of children |
| Total | 36 |
The kootas are listed in order of increasing weight, so the last three (Gana, Bhakoot and Nadi) carry 21 of the 36 points.
How many points are needed?
| Score | Traditional view |
|---|---|
| Below 18 | Not recommended unless other factors are strong |
| 18 – 24 | Acceptable / average |
| 25 – 32 | Good match |
| 33 – 36 | Excellent match |
Most astrologers treat 18 out of 36 as the minimum. A high score does not override serious doshas, and a low score can be acceptable when the full charts are strong.
Gana: Deva, Manushya, Rakshasa
- Deva: Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati
- Manushya: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada
- Rakshasa: Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha
Nadi dosha
When both people share the same Nadi, the Nadi score is 0 and Nadi dosha is present. Tradition considers this the most serious mismatch. The three Nadis are:
- Adi (Vata): Ashwini, Ardra, Punarvasu, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Jyeshtha, Mula, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada
- Madhya (Pitta): Bharani, Mrigashira, Pushya, Purva Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Purva Ashadha, Dhanishta, Uttara Bhadrapada
- Antya (Kapha): Krittika, Rohini, Ashlesha, Magha, Swati, Vishakha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Revati
Commonly cited exceptions (dosha parihara) include: the same Moon sign but different nakshatras; the same nakshatra but different Moon signs; or the same nakshatra in different padas.
Bhakoot dosha
Bhakoot scores 0 when the two Moon signs are 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 from each other. The 6/8 combination (shadashtaka) is considered the most difficult. It is usually cancelled when both Moon signs share the same lord (for example Aries–Scorpio, both ruled by Mars) or the lords are friends.
Beyond the 36 points
Ashtakoota only compares the Moons. A careful astrologer also checks:
- Kuja (Mangal) dosha in both charts
- The 7th house, its lord and Venus/Jupiter in each chart
- The running Mahadasha of both people
- Longevity and the 8th house
South Indian families often use Dasha Porutham (ten matches), which overlaps with Ashtakoota but adds factors such as Mahendra, Stree Deergha and Rajju. Treat any score as one input, alongside mutual understanding, values and family agreement.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 18 points enough for marriage?
Tradition treats 18 of 36 as the minimum acceptable score, provided there is no uncancelled Nadi or Bhakoot dosha.
What if both have the same nakshatra?
Same nakshatra usually gives Nadi dosha, but it is cancelled when the padas or the Moon signs differ. An astrologer should check the full charts.
Does a 36/36 match guarantee a happy marriage?
No. The score compares only the Moon positions. The full charts, dashas and, above all, the couple's own understanding matter more.
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This guide explains traditional Jyotisha practice for information and spiritual interest. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. See our disclaimer.