Guna Milan
The Ashtakoot 36-point compatibility system, explained.
What Guna Milan is
Guna Milan is the North Indian method of horoscope matching. It scores compatibility out of 36 points across eight factors called kootas — together known as the Ashtakoot, or eight-fold, system.
The eight kootas and their points
- Varna — 1 point — whether their sense of self and pride sit well together
- Vashya — 2 points — how naturally attracted they are to each other, and how easily they win each other's heart
- Tara — 3 points — their birth-star match, and their health and luck together
- Yoni — 4 points — closeness and comfort with each other
- Graha Maitri — 5 points — how well their minds and their views match
- Gana — 6 points — how alike their basic nature is
- Bhakoot — 7 points — how well their feelings and their money matters match
- Nadi — 8 points — their health, and their chances of having children
What counts as a good score
As a broad guide, a total below 18 is generally considered not advisable, 18 to 24 is acceptable, 25 to 32 is very good, and 33 to 36 is excellent. Astrologers read the score alongside any doshas rather than in isolation.
Why the number is not the whole story
Two factors carry extra weight: Bhakoot and Nadi. A high total can still be offset by a Nadi Dosha or a Bhakoot Dosha, which is why context matters more than the score alone. A good match is read as a whole, not from one figure.
Guna Milan with Suited
Suited calculates all eight kootas, shows the full breakdown, and explains what each one contributes — with Mangal and Nadi dosha checks layered on top so nothing important is hidden behind a single number.