Gun Milan Explained: The 36 Guna of Kundli Matching

How Ashtakoota Gun Milan scores marriage compatibility out of 36 across eight kootas, and what Nadi, Bhakoot and Manglik dosha really mean.

Gun Milan (Ashtakoota matching) is the traditional method of checking marriage compatibility between two horoscopes. It compares the bride's and groom's Moon positions across eight factors — the "ashta kootas" — for a total out of 36 guna.

The eight kootas

• •Varna (1): spiritual compatibility and ego.
• •Vashya (2): mutual attraction and control.
• •Tara / Dina (3): health and well-being.
• •Yoni (4): intimacy and instinctive nature (matched by nakshatra animal).
• •Graha Maitri (5): mental and intellectual affinity (rashi-lord friendship).
• •Gana (6): temperament — Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa.
• •Bhakoot (7): love, family and prosperity (Moon-sign distance).
• •Nadi (8): health and progeny — the most heavily weighted.

What score is good?

A total of 18 or more out of 36 is generally considered acceptable; higher is better. But the raw number is not the whole story.

The critical doshas

• •Nadi dosha: when both partners share the same Nadi (0 of 8). Traditionally significant, though it is cancelled in certain cases (for example the same nakshatra but different pada).
• •Bhakoot dosha: certain Moon-sign distances (6-8, 2-12, 5-9) reduce Bhakoot to zero.

Manglik (Mangal) matching

Separately, Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house creates Manglik dosha. Compatibility improves when both partners are Manglik (or both are not).

Beyond the number

Gun Milan is a screening tool, not a verdict. Lagna compatibility, dasha alignment and individual chart strength matter too — always consult an astrologer for a marriage decision. Run a free, Drik-aligned Gun Milan on the Kundli Matching tool.