Kundli Milan: Vedic Marriage Compatibility Matching Explained

Ashtakoot Milan assesses compatibility across eight Kootas (categories), each weighted differently. Varna (1 point) assesses spiritual and ego compatibility. Vashya (2 points) assesses mutual attraction and influence dynamics. Tara (3 points) assesses health, destiny, and relationship luck. Yoni (4 points) assesses physical and sexual compatibility through animal symbols assigned to each Nakshatra.

Graha Maitri (5 points) assesses mental and intellectual compatibility by comparing the ruling planets of the couple's Moon signs. Gana (6 points) assesses temperamental compatibility through the Deva, Manushya, and Rakshasa classifications. Bhakut (7 points) assesses overall relationship prosperity and harmony. Nadi (8 points) — the highest-weighted Koota — assesses the deepest biological and spiritual compatibility.

The total out of 36 provides an overall compatibility indicator, but experienced practitioners pay more attention to which specific Kootas score well or poorly than to the total number. Zero scores in high-weight Kootas (Nadi, Bhakut, Gana) are more concerning than a merely moderate total score.

The upper four Kootas carry the most weight and are considered the most important for lasting compatibility.

Graha Maitri (5 points) compares the Moon-sign rulers. If both rulers are mutual friends, intellectual rapport flows naturally. If enemies, the couple may struggle to understand each other's thinking despite surface attraction.

Gana (6 points) compares temperamental orientation. Deva-Deva and Manushya-Manushya matches score full points. Deva-Rakshasa scores zero, reflecting the fundamental clash between refined restraint and fierce independence. This strongly influences day-to-day household harmony.

Bhakut (7 points) examines the relative position of the couple's Moon signs. Certain combinations (2/12, 6/8, 5/9) are evaluated for mutual growth or friction. A poor Bhakut score can indicate financial disagreements, health concerns within the marriage, or a relationship that drains rather than builds both partners.

Nadi (8 points) carries the highest weight. Each Nakshatra is assigned Aadi, Madhya, or Antya Nadi. Same-Nadi couples score zero, traditionally indicating potential health issues for children and lack of magnetic attraction. Different-Nadi couples score full 8 points. The Nadi Koota is taken very seriously in traditional matching, and a zero Nadi score often triggers concern even when other scores are high.

While the 36-point Ashtakoot score provides a useful framework, experienced Jyotish practitioners never rely on it alone. The 7th house in both charts is the primary house of marriage — its sign, its lord's placement and dignity, and planets aspecting or occupying it reveal each person's inherent relationship patterns.

Venus's condition is critical as the natural significator of marriage. Venus in a strong sign, well-aspected, and unafflicted supports marital happiness regardless of Guna scores. Venus combust, debilitated, or conjunct malefics in either chart deserves attention.

Jupiter's aspect on the 7th house, 7th lord, or Venus provides powerful protection. Jupiter is the great benefic, and its involvement adds wisdom, tolerance, and growth to the partnership.

Dasha compatibility matters enormously. If both partners are running favorable Dashas at the time of marriage and for the subsequent years, the marriage benefits from positive cosmic support. If one partner enters a difficult Dasha shortly after marriage, early years may be strained.

Mangal Dosha check, Kaal Sarp check, and Nadi Dosha exceptions are reviewed as specific concerns. However, these are always evaluated in context with cancellation conditions, not as standalone verdicts.

A score below 18 out of 36 is traditionally considered unfavorable for marriage. However, this threshold should be applied with nuance. A score of 16 with full Nadi and Bhakut points but low Varna and Vashya is far more favorable than a score of 20 with zero Nadi and zero Bhakut. The higher-weight Kootas matter much more than the lower-weight ones.

A score of 18-24 is considered acceptable. Most successful marriages fall in this range when supported by favorable 7th house conditions. A score of 24-30 indicates strong compatibility, and above 30 indicates excellent compatibility across nearly all dimensions.

Specific Koota failures deserve more attention than the total score. A zero Nadi score is traditionally the most concerning and may require a Nadi Dosha exception check. A zero Bhakut score suggests financial or health-related friction. A zero Gana score indicates temperamental mismatch that may create daily friction.

The modern, balanced approach: use the Guna score as a starting point, not a verdict. A low score warrants deeper investigation. A high score provides confidence but does not eliminate the need to check 7th house conditions, Venus, Jupiter, and Dasha timing. Jyoti provides comprehensive compatibility analysis that goes beyond the number.

Several widespread misconceptions about Vedic marriage matching cause unnecessary stress. A high Guna score does not guarantee a happy marriage — it measures inherent compatibility but not individual chart afflictions or emotional maturity. A low Guna score does not mean the marriage will fail — many successful marriages exist with scores below 18.

Kundli Milan is not exclusive to arranged marriages — the compatibility framework applies to any couple, regardless of how they met. Knowing your astrological compatibility dynamics helps any couple understand their natural strengths and areas that require conscious effort.

Mangal Dosha does not doom a marriage — approximately 40-50% of charts have this Dosha, and most of these people marry successfully. Cancellation conditions, double Manglik matching, and overall chart context matter far more than Mars's position alone.

Kaala's compatibility analysis provides the complete picture: Ashtakoot Guna scores, individual Koota breakdowns, Dosha checks with cancellation analysis, 7th house assessment for both partners, and Dasha timing compatibility — all interpreted by Jyoti in plain language with honest, balanced guidance.