Kundli Matching (36 Gun Milan)
Ashtakoot Guna Milan out of 36 points, from both Moon signs and nakshatras. कुंडली मिलान
How Kundli Matching (Ashtakoot Guna Milan) works
What is Gun Milan?
Kundli matching, also called Gun Milan or Guna Milan (गुण मिलान), is the traditional Vedic method of checking marriage compatibility between two people. The most widely used system in North India is Ashtakoot — 'eight factors' — which compares the Moon sign (Rashi) and birth Nakshatra of the bride and groom and awards up to 36 points (gunas).
Because it is based on the Moon, accurate birth date, time and place for both people matter. The Moon moves through a Nakshatra in about a day, so a wrong birth date or time can change the result.
The 8 kootas and their points
Varna (1 point) — spiritual and ego compatibility. Vashya (2) — mutual attraction and influence. Tara (3) — birth-star compatibility and wellbeing. Yoni (4) — physical and sexual compatibility, based on the animal symbol of each Nakshatra. Graha Maitri (5) — friendship between the lords of the two Moon signs, i.e. mental compatibility. Gana (6) — temperament: Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa. Bhakoot (7) — the relative position of the two Moon signs, linked to family welfare and finances. Nadi (8) — Adi, Madhya or Antya nadi, traditionally linked to health and progeny.
Together these add up to 36 points. Higher-weighted kootas such as Nadi, Bhakoot and Gana carry the most importance.
How many gunas should match?
By common convention, fewer than 18 out of 36 is considered not recommended, 18–24 is average or acceptable, 25–32 is very good, and above 32 is excellent. These ranges are guidelines, not hard rules — an astrologer will also look at the full charts, the 7th house, Venus, the Navamsa and Manglik status.
Nadi dosha and Bhakoot dosha
Nadi dosha occurs when both people have the same Nadi, giving 0 out of 8 points in that koota. Bhakoot dosha occurs when the Moon signs are in certain positions from each other (2/12, 6/8 or 5/9), giving 0 out of 7. Classical texts list exceptions (parihara) that can cancel these doshas, for example when the Moon-sign lords are the same or friends, or in some cases when the Nakshatras differ. Your matching report flags these doshas so you can discuss them in context.
Kundli matching is one input among many. Compatibility, communication and shared values still matter most; treat the score as guidance rather than a verdict.
Related free tools
- Manglik Dosha Calculator — check both partners for Mangal dosha before matching.
- Free Janam Kundli — see each partner's full birth chart and dasha.
- Moon Sign & Nakshatra Calculator — find the Rashi and Nakshatra used in matching.
Frequently asked questions
How many gunas are needed for marriage?
Traditionally at least 18 out of 36 gunas is considered acceptable, 25–32 is very good and above 32 is excellent. Astrologers also check doshas and the full charts, so the score alone is not the final word.
What are the 8 kootas in Ashtakoot matching?
Varna (1), Vashya (2), Tara (3), Yoni (4), Graha Maitri (5), Gana (6), Bhakoot (7) and Nadi (8), adding up to 36 points.
What is Nadi dosha?
Nadi dosha happens when both partners share the same Nadi (Adi, Madhya or Antya), scoring 0 of 8 points. It is traditionally linked to health and progeny, and classical texts list some cancellation conditions.
Can I match Kundli by name only?
Name-based matching uses the first syllable to guess a Nakshatra and is far less reliable. Astrojanta matches using actual birth date, time and place to calculate each person's Moon sign and Nakshatra.
Does Kundli matching check Manglik dosha?
Guna Milan itself does not include Manglik dosha. Use the free Manglik calculator for both partners alongside the matching score.