Guides · By the MilanKnot team · 13 October 2026

Kundli matching and guna milan, explained

For many Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist families, comparing horoscopes is part of finding a match. Here is what kundli matching actually measures - point by point - and how families use the result.

What kundli matching is

Kundli matching compares the horoscopes of a prospective bride and groom. The most widely used method in North and West India is Ashtakoot milan ("eight-part matching"), which compares the two people's birth stars (nakshatras) and Moon signs (rashis) on eight aspects, called kootas or gunas, worth 36 points in total. South Indian families often use a related system of ten poruthams. Either way, it needs each person's date, time and place of birth.

The eight kootas and their points

Koota	Points	What it is said to reflect
Varna	1	Spiritual and work temperament
Vashya	2	Mutual attraction and influence
Tara	3	Health and well-being, from the birth stars
Yoni	4	Physical compatibility and intimacy
Graha Maitri	5	Mental affinity - friendship between the Moon-sign lords
Gana	6	Temperament: deva (divine), manushya (human) or rakshasa (fierce)
Bhakoot	7	Love, family welfare and prosperity
Nadi	8	Health and children - the most heavily weighted koota
Total: 36

What the score means

Below 18 of 36: traditionally considered low; families often consult an astrologer.
18-24: traditionally acceptable - 18 is the minimum most families use.
25-32: traditionally a good match.
Above 32: traditionally very good.

The doshas families ask about

Nadi dosha: both people have the same Nadi. Traditionally taken seriously for health and children; some traditions treat it as cancelled in particular cases.
Bhakoot dosha: the two Moon signs sit in certain difficult positions relative to each other. Some traditions cancel it when the ruling planets are friends.
Gana dosha: opposed temperaments; usually weighed together with the other kootas.
Manglik: a separate check, not part of the 36 points - see our manglik guide.

Using it sensibly

Kundli matching is a traditional aid to a decision, not a scientific test, and families differ widely in how much weight they give it. Some treat 18 points as a firm rule; many treat the score as one input among education, values, family and - most of all - how the two people get on. A few honest observations families share with us:

Accurate birth time matters. A small error can change the nakshatra, and with it the whole score.
Two different calculators can disagree, especially on doshas and their cancellations.
Decide your family's rule before you look at matches - it is much harder to apply a rule fairly after you already like someone.

Kundli matching on MilanKnot

Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist profiles can add their birth details, and MilanKnot works out the nakshatra and pada from the date, time and place of birth (members can correct it to match their own kundli). When both profiles have a birth star, the guna milan score appears on the profile. A detailed kundli report - each koota explained, the doshas, the manglik picture, ready to share with your astrologer - comes with MilanKnot Plus.

And because not every family uses horoscopes, it is entirely optional: a family can switch horoscope matching off, and it never blocks a match.

Questions families ask

How many gunas should match for marriage?

Traditionally at least 18 of 36. Scores of 25 and above are considered good. Many families treat the score as one factor among several.

What is the most important koota?

Nadi, worth 8 of the 36 points, is traditionally given the most weight, followed by Bhakoot (7) and Gana (6).

Do I need my exact birth time?

Yes, as exactly as possible. The birth time can change the nakshatra, and therefore the score.

Is kundli matching compulsory on MilanKnot?

No. It is optional, families can switch it off, and it never blocks a match.

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