How Kundli Matching works

Why families match Kundlis

In many Indian families, Kundli matching (Kundli Milan) is an important step before marriage. The idea is to understand how two people's charts work together — temperament, mutual attraction, health, family life and long-term harmony.

The most widely used method is Ashtakoot Guna Milan, which compares the Moon signs and Nakshatras of both partners.

The eight koots and the 36 points

Ashtakoot matching looks at eight factors (koots), each worth a set number of points, adding up to 36:

• ✦Varna (1 point) — spiritual and working temperament.
• ✦Vashya (2 points) — mutual attraction and influence.
• ✦Tara (3 points) — birth-star compatibility and wellbeing.
• ✦Yoni (4 points) — physical and instinctive compatibility.
• ✦Graha Maitri (5 points) — friendship between the Moon-sign lords; mental harmony.
• ✦Gana (6 points) — nature: divine (deva), human (manushya) or fierce (rakshasa).
• ✦Bhakoot (7 points) — emotional connection, family welfare and prosperity.
• ✦Nadi (8 points) — health and progeny; considered the most important koot.

What the score means

The score is a starting point, not a verdict. A couple with 22 points and supportive charts can be better matched than a couple with 30 points and serious individual afflictions.

• ✦Below 18 — generally considered not favourable without careful review.
• ✦18 to 24 — acceptable; many successful marriages fall in this range.
• ✦25 to 32 — good compatibility.
• ✦Above 32 — excellent compatibility.

Manglik Dosha

Manglik (Mangal) Dosha occurs when Mars sits in certain houses of the chart. Traditionally it is believed to bring friction in married life. In practice, its strength varies a lot, there are many recognised cancellations, and when both partners are Manglik the dosha is usually considered balanced. It should always be judged by an experienced astrologer rather than by a yes/no label.

Looking beyond the points

A thorough match also studies each person's 7th house, Venus and Jupiter, the dasha periods both partners will run after marriage, and any doshas present in either chart. Most importantly, astrology is one input among many — mutual respect, values and communication matter just as much.