Vedic Astrology · Marriage Compatibility
Gun Milan
The 36-Point Compatibility System
A complete, plain-language guide to understanding Ashtakoot matching — what it measures, how it works, and what it means for marriage.
Part OneWhat is Gun Milan?
Gun Milan — also called Ashtakoot Milan — is a traditional Vedic astrology system used in India and Nepal to assess compatibility between two people before marriage. It examines eight different aspects of both individuals' birth charts and assigns points to each one. The total comes to a maximum of 36 points.
The word Gun means "quality" or "merit," and Milan means "meeting" or "matching." So Gun Milan literally means the matching of qualities. It is sometimes called Guna Milan or Ashtakoot Milan — Ashta meaning "eight" and Koot meaning "category." All these names refer to the same thing.
The system has been used for centuries across Hindu and Nepalese traditions. It is based on one key insight: the position of the Moon at the time of a person's birth reveals a great deal about their emotional nature, instincts, and life patterns. By comparing the Moon's position in both charts, astrologers can evaluate eight dimensions of compatibility — from temperament and physical harmony to financial stability and health.
How is it calculated?
Two pieces of information are extracted from each person's birth chart: their Janma Nakshatra (the lunar constellation the Moon occupied at birth — one of 27 nakshatras) and their Rashi (Moon sign — one of 12 zodiac signs). These two data points feed all eight koot calculations.
Once both charts are analyzed, each of the eight factors is scored individually. These scores are added together to produce the total Gun Milan score out of 36.
Part TwoThe Eight Kootas at a Glance
Here is a complete overview of all eight kootas, their maximum points, and what each one measures:
| # | Koota | Max Points | What It Measures | Based On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Varna | 1 pt | Spiritual level & working style compatibility | Moon Sign (Rashi) |
| 2 | Vashya | 2 pts | Mutual influence and power balance | Moon Sign (Rashi) |
| 3 | Tara | 3 pts | Health, well-being & destiny alignment | Nakshatra |
| 4 | Yoni | 4 pts | Physical & sexual compatibility | Nakshatra |
| 5 | Graha Maitri | 5 pts | Intellectual bond & mental friendship | Moon Sign rulers |
| 6 | Gana | 6 pts | Temperament & behavioral compatibility | Nakshatra |
| 7 | Bhakut | 7 pts | Emotional bond, family life & prosperity | Moon Sign (Rashi) |
| 8 | Nadi | 8 pts | Health, genetic compatibility & progeny | Nakshatra |
Notice that the points increase from 1 to 8 — this is intentional. The kootas assigned more points are considered more important. Nadi (8 pts) is the most critical, followed by Bhakut (7 pts) and Gana (6 pts). Varna (1 pt), being the least weighty, affects the total least.
Part ThreeEach Koota Explained in Detail
Varna — Spiritual & Working Style Match
Maximum 1 point · Based on Moon SignVarna divides all twelve zodiac signs into four spiritual categories, in descending order of level:
| Varna Level | Signs | Qualities |
|---|---|---|
| Brahmin (highest) | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces | Reflective, philosophical, spiritual |
| Kshatriya | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius | Courageous, protective, leadership-oriented |
| Vaishya | Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn | Practical, business-minded, diligent |
| Shudra (lowest) | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius | Service-oriented, social, adaptable |
Scoring rule: If the boy's Varna is equal to or higher than the girl's → 1 point. If the girl's Varna is higher than the boy's → 0 points.
Boy's Moon is in Leo (Kshatriya), girl's Moon is in Gemini (Shudra). Since Kshatriya is higher than Shudra → 1 point.
Boy's Moon is in Gemini (Shudra), girl's Moon is in Cancer (Brahmin). Since Shudra is lower than Brahmin → 0 points. The belief is that a higher-Varna wife may dominate and create imbalance.
Vashya — Power Balance & Mutual Influence
Maximum 2 points · Based on Moon SignVashya examines who has natural influence or authority over whom in the relationship. The twelve zodiac signs are grouped into five animal-based categories:
| Group | Signs |
|---|---|
| Manushya (Human) | Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Aquarius, Sagittarius |
| Chatushpad (Four-legged) | Aries, Taurus, Capricorn |
| Jalachar (Aquatic) | Cancer, Pisces |
| Vanchar (Wild/Leo) | Leo |
| Keeta (Insect) | Scorpio |
Scoring: Same group → 2 pts. One is under the other's influence (Vashya) → 1 pt. One is a natural predator of the other (Bhaksha) → 0.5 pts. One is neutral friend → 1.5 pts. Natural enemies → 0 pts.
Tara — Destiny, Health & Well-being
Maximum 3 points · Based on NakshatraTara examines how the birth stars of the two people relate to each other. The 27 nakshatras cycle through 9 types of "Tara" relationships, repeating three times.
How it works: Count from the boy's nakshatra to the girl's, divide by 9, and take the remainder. Do the same in reverse. If the remainder is 3, 5, or 7 — those are inauspicious positions (called Vipat, Pratyari, and Vadha Tara).
| Combination | Points |
|---|---|
| Both nakshatras are auspicious for each other | 3 |
| One auspicious, one inauspicious | 1.5 |
| Both inauspicious | 0 |
Boy born in Ashwini (nakshatra #1), girl born in Mrigashira (#5). Count from Ashwini to Mrigashira = 5. 5 ÷ 9 = remainder 5 → inauspicious (Pratyari). Count from Mrigashira to Ashwini = 24. 24 ÷ 9 = remainder 6 → auspicious. One each → 1.5 points.
Yoni — Physical & Sexual Compatibility
Maximum 4 points · Based on NakshatraEach of the 27 nakshatras is associated with one of 14 animals. The Yoni koota examines how the two animals relate — are they natural companions, neutral, or enemies?
The 14 Yoni animals are: Horse, Elephant, Goat, Snake, Dog, Cat, Rat, Cow, Buffalo, Tiger, Deer, Monkey, Lion, and Mongoose. Most animals are shared by two nakshatras (one pair each). The Mongoose (Uttara Ashadha) is unique — it has no pair.
| Yoni Relationship | Points |
|---|---|
| Same animal (e.g. Horse + Horse) | 4 |
| Friendly animals | 3 |
| Neutral animals | 2 |
| Enemy animals | 1 |
| Sworn enemies (Vairi Yoni) | 0 |
The sworn enemy (Vairi) pairs are: Horse–Buffalo, Elephant–Lion, Goat–Monkey, Snake–Mongoose, Dog–Deer, Cat–Rat, and Cow–Tiger. These combinations score 0 and signal physical incompatibility.
Boy born in Rohini (Snake Yoni), girl born in Ardra (Dog Yoni). Snake and Dog are neutral → 2 points.
Boy born in Ashwini (Horse Yoni), girl born in Hasta (Buffalo Yoni). Horse and Buffalo are sworn enemies (Vairi) → 0 points.
Graha Maitri — Mental Bond & Intellectual Friendship
Maximum 5 points · Based on Moon Sign RulersThis koota examines whether the ruling planets of the two Moon signs are friends or enemies with each other. Every zodiac sign is "ruled" by a planet — for example, Aries is ruled by Mars, Cancer by the Moon, Leo by the Sun. The friendship or enmity between these ruling planets reflects the mental and intellectual compatibility of the couple.
Each planet sees other planets as a Friend, Neutral, or Enemy. Importantly, Planet A's view of Planet B may differ from Planet B's view of Planet A — so the relationship is assessed from both sides.
| Relationship Between Lords | Points |
|---|---|
| Both lords see each other as Friend | 5 |
| One Friend, one Neutral | 4 |
| Both Neutral to each other | 3 |
| One Friend, one Enemy | 1 |
| One Neutral, one Enemy | 0.5 |
| Both see each other as Enemy | 0 |
| Same lord (e.g. both signs ruled by Jupiter) | 5 |
Boy's Moon in Aries (ruled by Mars), girl's Moon in Cancer (ruled by Moon). Mars considers Moon a Friend. Moon considers Mars Neutral. → One Friend, one Neutral → 4 points.
Gana — Temperament & Behavioral Nature
Maximum 6 points · Based on NakshatraEvery nakshatra belongs to one of three Ganas — broad personality archetypes that determine how a person fundamentally behaves and relates to the world.
| Gana | Nature | Nakshatras |
|---|---|---|
| Deva (Divine) | Gentle, forgiving, patient, sattvic | Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati |
| Manushya (Human) | Balanced, social, can be aggressive when provoked | Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, P.Phalguni, U.Phalguni, P.Ashadha, U.Ashadha, P.Bhadra, U.Bhadra |
| Rakshasa (Demonic) | Dominant, passionate, self-centered, intense | Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha |
The scoring is asymmetric — the boy and girl's Gana combination is not scored the same way in both directions:
| Boy's Gana | Girl's Gana | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Deva | Deva | 6 |
| Manushya | Manushya | 6 |
| Rakshasa | Rakshasa | 6 |
| Deva | Manushya | 6 |
| Manushya | Deva | 5 |
| Deva | Rakshasa | 1 |
| Rakshasa | Deva | 1 |
| Manushya | Rakshasa | 0 |
| Rakshasa | Manushya | 0 |
Bhakut — Emotional Harmony & Family Prosperity
Maximum 7 points · Based on Moon SignBhakut (also called Rashikoot) examines the positional relationship between the two Moon signs. The position of one person's Moon sign counted from the other's reveals how the relationship energy flows — harmoniously or with friction.
How it works: Count from the boy's rashi to the girl's (call it Position A), then count from the girl's to the boy's (Position B). Certain A/B combinations are considered inauspicious:
| Combination (A/B) | Name | Effect | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | Dwidasham | Marital arguments, financial loss | 0 |
| 5/9 | Nav-Pancham | Risk to children / progeny | 0 |
| 6/8 | Shadashtak | Health issues, accidents, sudden crises | 0* |
| All other combinations | — | Auspicious | 7 |
*The 6/8 combination has an important exception — see the Dosha section below.
Boy's Moon in Aries (sign 1), girl's Moon in Libra (sign 7). Count from Aries to Libra = 7, and from Libra to Aries = 7. Position is 7/7 — not in the inauspicious list → 7 points.
Boy's Moon in Aries (sign 1), girl's Moon in Scorpio (sign 8). Count from Aries to Scorpio = 8, from Scorpio to Aries = 6. This is 6/8 (Shadashtak) → 0 points (unless cancelled — see below).
Nadi — Health, Genetics & Progeny
Maximum 8 points · Based on Nakshatra · Most ImportantNadi is the single highest-weighted koota in the entire system, carrying 8 out of 36 points. It relates to the fundamental biological and energetic constitution of a person. In Ayurvedic medicine, there are three constitutional types (Prakruti): Vata (wind), Pitta (bile), and Kapha (phlegm). Each nakshatra corresponds to one of these three Nadis:
| Nadi | Ayurvedic Type | Nakshatras |
|---|---|---|
| Adya (First) | Vata (wind) | Ashwini, Ardra, Punarvasu, U.Phalguni, Hasta, Jyeshtha, Moola, Shatabhisha, P.Bhadra |
| Madhya (Middle) | Pitta (fire) | Bharani, Mrigashira, Pushya, P.Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, P.Ashadha, Dhanishtha, U.Bhadra |
| Antya (Last) | Kapha (earth) | Krittika, Rohini, Ashlesha, Magha, Swati, Vishakha, U.Ashadha, Shravana, Revati |
| Nadi Match | Points |
|---|---|
| Different Nadis (e.g. Adya + Antya) | 8 |
| Same Nadi (e.g. both Adya) | 0 — Nadi Dosha |
The logic is rooted in Ayurveda: two people of the same constitutional type (Prakruti) may produce children with an intensified version of that imbalance, leading to health problems. Different Nadis are believed to create biological balance in offspring.
Part FourHow to Read the Final Score
Once all eight kootas are calculated and added, the result is compared against these bands:
Part FiveThe Three Critical Doshas
A "Dosha" simply means a defect or problem. When certain kootas score zero due to inauspicious combinations, that zero is given a specific name and treated as a special warning, not just a low score. The three most important are:
Nadi Dosha — Same Nadi
What triggers it: Both partners belong to the same Nadi (both Adya, both Madhya, or both Antya).
Believed effect: Problems with having children or with children's health. Adya–Adya harms the husband and son; Antya–Antya harms the wife and son; Madhya–Madhya affects both partners and children. This dosha is considered the most serious of all in the Ashtakoot system.
Cancellation (Parihara) — Nadi Dosha does NOT apply if:
- Both have the same Moon sign but different Nakshatras
- Both have the same Nakshatra but different Moon signs
- Both have the same Nakshatra but different Pada (quarter — 1 of 4)
- Both Nakshatras are from this special list: Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Jyeshtha, Shravana, Uttara Bhadra, Revati
- Both Moon signs share the same ruling planet (e.g., Gemini and Virgo — both ruled by Mercury)
Bhakut Dosha — Inauspicious Rashi Positions
What triggers it: The two Moon signs fall in 2/12, 5/9, or 6/8 positions relative to each other.
Believed effects:
- 2/12 (Dwidasham): Financial instability, frequent arguments
- 5/9 (Nav-Pancham): Difficulties with children or no children
- 6/8 (Shadashtak): Health crises, sudden losses, chronic tension
Special exception — Priti (Friendly) Shadashtak: Some 6/8 combinations are actually considered auspicious, because the two signs' ruling planets are mutual friends. These are called Priti Shadashtak: Taurus–Libra, Cancer–Sagittarius, Virgo–Aquarius, Scorpio–Aries, Capricorn–Gemini, Pisces–Leo. In these cases, marriage is generally acceptable, with only minor concern about progeny.
Bhakut Dosha is also reduced when: The two signs share the same ruling planet (e.g., Capricorn–Aquarius, both Saturn-ruled).
Gana Dosha — Incompatible Temperaments
What triggers it: The combination of Rakshasa + Manushya (in either order) scores 0 and is flagged as a Gana Dosha.
Believed effect: Frequent quarrels, ego clashes, and in extreme cases (where Graha Maitri is also absent), serious harm to the Manushya Gana partner's lifespan and to the couple's children.
Cancellation: Gana Dosha is reduced or cancelled when the two Moon sign lords are planetary friends, when the Nadi is different (and compatible), or when other strong kootas compensate.
Part SixBeyond the 36-Point Score
The book Muhurta Chintamani explicitly states that Ashtakoot Milan covers only about 50% of what makes a marriage successful. The other 50% comes from analyzing the individual birth charts directly. Here is what those additional factors look at:
Part SevenQuick Reference Summary
The Complete 36-Point Breakdown
| Koota | Max | Input | Dosha at 0? | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Varna | 1 | Moon sign hierarchy | No | Low |
| 2. Vashya | 2 | Moon sign group | No | Low |
| 3. Tara | 3 | Nakshatra count | No | Medium |
| 4. Yoni | 4 | Nakshatra animal | Yoni Dosha | Medium |
| 5. Graha Maitri | 5 | Planetary friendship | No | Medium–High |
| 6. Gana | 6 | Nakshatra temperament | Gana Dosha | High |
| 7. Bhakut | 7 | Moon sign position | Bhakut Dosha | Very High |
| 8. Nadi | 8 | Nakshatra Nadi type | Nadi Dosha | Critical |
Common Misconceptions
Myth: More points always means a better marriage.
Reality: A couple with 28 points and no major doshas can have a happier marriage than a couple with 34 points but a Nadi Dosha and weak 7th houses.
Myth: Two Mangalik people cancel each other's dosha.
Reality: The book explicitly states this is incorrect. Two Mangalik people matched together can in fact multiply difficulties, not neutralize them.
Myth: Below 18 means you can never marry.
Reality: A score below 18 is a warning to look more carefully — not an absolute prohibition. If individual charts are strong and doshas are cancelled, marriages below 18 can still work with proper guidance.
Myth: Graha Maitri is calculated by counting Moon sign distances.
Reality: It is based on the friendship between the ruling planets of the two Moon signs — not on how far apart the signs are numerically.