Kundli matching (guna milan) is the traditional Vedic method of assessing marriage compatibility between two charts. The best-known system is Ashtakoota — eight factors scored out of a total of 36 points — supplemented by a Manglik (Mangal Dosha) check and a look at the 7th house in both charts.
The 36-point Ashtakoota system
Each of the eight kootas compares a specific dimension of the two charts, weighted by importance:
- Varna (1 point): spiritual and work compatibility.
- Vashya (2): mutual influence and attraction.
- Tara (3): health and well-being of the couple.
- Yoni (4): physical and intimate compatibility.
- Graha Maitri (5): mental and intellectual rapport (Moon-sign lords).
- Gana (6): temperament — Deva, Manushya, Rakshasa.
- Bhakoot (7): emotional bonding and family welfare.
- Nadi (8): health and progeny — the highest-weighted koota.
What the score means
A total of 18 out of 36 or above is traditionally considered acceptable; 24 and above is good; very high scores are excellent. But the raw number is not the whole story — a high score with a serious Bhakoot or Nadi dosha, or an uncancelled Manglik mismatch, still needs careful judgement.
Name-based vs date-of-birth matching
Pure “name matching” uses the first letter of each name to estimate the nakshatra (birth star), since names are traditionally chosen from the nakshatra’s syllables. It is a reasonable approximation when birth time is unknown — but date, time, and place of birth give the exact Moon nakshatra and the full chart, which is far more accurate. Use name-only matching as a quick check, not a final verdict.
Beyond the score: what a real reading adds
- Manglik (Mangal Dosha) status on both sides, with cancellation rules applied.
- The 7th house and its lord, and Venus, in each chart.
- Dasha timing — whether both partners are in supportive marriage periods.
- Bhakoot and Nadi dosha exceptions, which can soften an apparent low score.
Match with real calculation
Sivayan computes full Ashtakoota guna milan from both charts with classical tables, runs a severity-aware Manglik check on each side, and projects the eight kootas into clear compatibility dimensions — so you see why the score is what it is, not just the number.