How Ashtakoota matching works
Ashtakoota (Guna Milan) is the North Indian matching method. It compares the two Moon positions: the Moon sign for four areas and the nakshatra (birth star) for the other four. Each area has a fixed number of points, adding up to 36.
| Koota | Looks at | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Varna वर्ण | Outlook and temperamentFrom the moon sign | 1 |
| Vashya वश्य | Mutual attraction and influenceFrom the moon sign | 2 |
| Tara तारा | Wellbeing and fortuneFrom the nakshatra | 3 |
| Yoni योनि | Physical and instinctive closenessFrom the nakshatra | 4 |
| Graha Maitri ग्रह मैत्री | Friendship and mental rapportFrom the moon sign | 5 |
| Gana गण | Nature and temperamentFrom the nakshatra | 6 |
| Bhakoot भकूट | Family life and shared prosperityFrom the moon sign | 7 |
| Nadi नाड़ी | Traditionally linked with health and childrenFrom the nakshatra | 8 |
| Total | 36 | |
Doshas, shown with their exceptions
Three areas can carry a dosha: Nadi (0 of 8), Bhakoot (0 of 7) and Gana (0 of 6). The classical texts also list exceptions, for example a Nadi dosha where both Moons are in the same sign but in different nakshatras. The calculator shows each dosha together with any exception that applies. An exception does not add the points back; it changes how the result is read.
Manglik check
Mars is checked from the Lagna and from the Moon for both people, using whole-sign houses, with the house from Venus shown for information. Classical exceptions, such as Mars in the same sign as Jupiter, and softening rules, such as Mars in its own sign, are listed by name. In the expert view you can switch to the South Indian house list. The belief that a Manglik factor ends at age 28 is a folk belief and is not used in the calculation.
How the positions are worked out
Each Moon position is computed from the birth date, time and place, using the chosen place's coordinates and its historical time zone, with the Lahiri ayanamsa. This is why the birth place must be picked from the list. The expert view shows the Moon sign, nakshatra, pada and degree for both people, the full koota table and the sources for each rule.
Questions
What is kundli matching?
Kundli matching (Kundli Milan) compares the birth charts of two people before marriage. The Ashtakoota method used here scores eight areas from the two Moon positions, for a total of 36 points (gunas).
How many gunas are considered a good match?
This calculator uses the traditional Jyotirnibandha bands: 18 or more is average, 21 or more is very good and 31 or more is excellent; below 18 is low. If Bhakoot dosha is present without an exception, the stricter bands apply. A Nadi dosha without an exception is marked for a closer look whatever the total. The score is a traditional guide, not a prediction.
Does the birth time matter?
Yes. The Moon moves about 13 degrees a day, so its nakshatra and sometimes its sign can change within the day. The Manglik check from the Lagna also depends on the exact time. Use the time as exactly as you know it.
Can I match kundlis by name only?
Name matching guesses each person’s nakshatra from the first sound of the name, which may not be their real birth star. This calculator needs the birth date, time and place of both people, because the Ashtakoota scores come from the actual Moon positions.
Why can the score change when I swap the groom and the bride?
The classical rules are written for a groom and a bride. Two of the eight areas, Varna and Gana, are scored differently depending on who is who, so the calculator lets you swap the roles and compare both readings.
What is Manglik dosha, and is it checked here?
Manglik (Kuja) dosha looks at the house of Mars. By default this calculator uses the North Indian houses 1, 4, 7, 8 and 12, counted from the Lagna and from the Moon, applies the classical exceptions, and shows the house from Venus for information. When both charts have a Manglik factor, the classical texts treat it as balanced. The idea that it ends at age 28 is a folk belief and is labelled as such.
Where are the birth details kept?
The score is worked out in your browser. Place names you type are looked up on our server to find their coordinates and time zone. The entries are saved in this browser only, so you do not need to type them again; the Clear both button removes them. If you ask for a written explanation, both birth details are sent to our server to recompute the match; the explanation is cached for your account.