Guna Milan (Ashtakoot)गुण मिलान
The classical 36-point compatibility system used to assess a proposed marriage match — "Ashtakoot" means "eight groups," referring to the 8 separate factors compared between the couple's birth Nakshatra and Rashi, each worth a different maximum number of points that all add up to 36.
The total score out of 36 maps to an overall verdict: 28+ is "Excellent — highly recommended," 24+ is "Very Good," 18+ is "Acceptable — can proceed with remedies," 12+ is "Below Average — significant challenges," and below 12 is "Poor — not recommended." This app shows the total, the verdict, and a full breakdown of all 8 individual factors so you can see exactly which ones are pulling the score down, not just the final number.
Each of the 8 Koota (factor) scores is computed independently by comparing the groom's and bride's Nakshatra/Rashi against fixed classical tables, then all 8 scores are summed into the final total out of 36.
Guna Milan is the classical Vedic system for assessing marriage compatibility. "Guna" means quality or virtue; "Milan" means meeting or matching. The system compares 8 specific factors (Kootas) between the prospective bride and groom, each derived from their birth Nakshatra and Moon sign. The 8 factors are weighted differently and sum to a maximum of 36 points. It is the most widely used compatibility system in North Indian Hindu marriage traditions.
The 8 Kootas and their maximum points: Varna (1) — spiritual class compatibility. Vashya (2) — mutual attraction and control. Tara (3) — birth star compatibility and health. Yoni (4) — physical and sexual compatibility. Graha Maitri (5) — mental compatibility via Moon sign lords. Gana (6) — temperament compatibility (Deva/Manushya/Rakshasa). Bhakoot (7) — emotional and financial compatibility. Nadi (8) — health, progeny, and genetic compatibility. Nadi carries the most weight (8/36) and is the only factor that can create a hard "Dosha" (Nadi Dosh) even when the total score is otherwise acceptable.
28+ is Excellent, 24+ is Very Good, 18+ is Acceptable, 12+ is Below Average, below 12 is Poor. However, a low Guna Milan score does not automatically mean the marriage will fail — it is one input among many. Classical astrologers also consider the overall chart compatibility (Moon harmony, 7th house strength, Dasha timing) alongside the score. A couple with 20/36 but strong chart-level compatibility may fare better than a couple with 30/36 but conflicting Dashas. This app's Deep Compatibility section covers the chart-level analysis beyond the score.