AstroAgniKundli matching and gun milan: how the 36 gunas work
Before a wedding, many Indian families compare the two kundlis. The most common method, Ashtakoot gun milan, gives a score out of 36. Here's what goes into that number.
It starts from the Moon
Gun milan compares the two people's Moon nakshatras and rashis. That's why it can be done even when birth times are a little uncertain, and why it's only one part of a full match.
The eight kootas
- Varna (1 point): temperament and outlook.
- Vashya (2): mutual attraction and influence.
- Tara (3): fortune and well-being, from the nakshatra count.
- Yoni (4): physical and instinctive compatibility.
- Graha Maitri (5): friendship between the Moon-sign lords, mental harmony.
- Gana (6): nature: deva, manushya or rakshasa.
- Bhakoot (7): the relative position of the two Moon signs; family welfare.
- Nadi (8): health and progeny; the heaviest koota.
Together they add up to 36 gunas.
What the score means
- Below 18: traditionally not recommended without a closer look.
- 18–24: acceptable, average match.
- 25–32: good.
- 33–36: excellent, though rare.
Nadi and bhakoot dosha
A zero in nadi (both partners in the same nadi) or in bhakoot is called a dosha, and families often worry about it. Classical texts also list exceptions, for example when the Moon-sign lords are the same or friendly. A good astrologer looks at these before calling a match bad.
What gun milan can't tell you
The score is a starting point. Astrologers also compare mangal dosha, the 7th house, the navamsa and the dasha periods of both people. And no score replaces knowing each other: values, respect and how you handle disagreement matter more than any number.
This guide describes traditional Vedic astrology for general information. Astrology is guidance, not a guarantee, and isn't medical, legal or financial advice.