Kundli Milan Explained: The 36 Gunas and What the Score Means

A kundli, also called a janam patri, is a birth chart drawn from a person’s date, time and place of birth. In kundli milan, an astrologer compares the two charts to judge compatibility. Families often use it alongside, not instead of, their own views on values and character.

It is part of many Hindu traditions but not all families use it, and it is not part of every faith. Many Muslim families do not use horoscopes, and Sikh teachings do not rely on astrology. Whether it matters is a decision for each family.

The Ashtakoot system, also called guna milan, scores eight factors, called kootas. Each carries a different number of points, and together they add up to 36.

• Varna (1 point): the spiritual or temperamental compatibility of the two people.
• Vashya (2 points): how well the two get along and influence one another.
• Tara (3 points): health and fortune, based on the birth stars.
• Yoni (4 points): physical and instinctive compatibility.
• Graha Maitri (5 points): mental compatibility and friendship, based on the ruling planets of the moon signs.
• Gana (6 points): temperament, traditionally grouped as divine, human or demon-like.
• Bhakoot (7 points): emotional compatibility and the relationship between the moon signs.
• Nadi (8 points): health and the genetic or constitutional match, and the highest-weighted factor.

The eight scores are added to give a total out of 36. As a general convention, a total below 18 is considered weak, 18 to 24 acceptable, 25 to 32 good and above 32 very good. These cut-offs vary between astrologers and communities, so treat them as a rough guide rather than a rule.

Because Nadi and Bhakoot carry the most points, a low score in either can lower the total quite sharply, and some astrologers pay special attention to them.

Many families also check for Mangal dosha, often called manglik, which relates to the position of Mars in a chart. Traditions differ on how serious it is and on the remedies. Some astrologers consider it cancelled when both partners are manglik, or when other planetary factors balance it.

A good score does not guarantee a happy marriage, and a low score does not rule one out. Many families treat kundli milan as one input among several, alongside character, values and the families’ own judgement.

You will need each person’s date of birth, exact time of birth and place of birth. The time matters, because the chart changes within minutes. If you do not know the time, check birth certificates or hospital records, as small differences can change the result.

For anything beyond the basic score, ask a trusted pandit or astrologer, as interpretations differ.

Khandaan offers optional horoscope compatibility for families who want it. It calculates the Ashtakoot score only when both families have chosen to share the details, and is never shown otherwise. If horoscopes are not part of your tradition, you will not see it. You can browse Hindu families or create a free profile to see how it works.

A computed score is a starting point. For a decision as significant as marriage, many families still confirm with their own pandit.