When two families consider a marriage in the Hindu tradition, one of the first things they do is compare the two horoscopes. The most widely used first check is Gun Milan, also called Ashtakoota or Kundli Milan. It compares the Moon placement of the bride and the groom and produces a score out of 36. Many people only ever see the final number. This guide explains where that number comes from, so you can judge what it can and cannot tell you.
What Gun Milan actually compares
Gun Milan uses just one piece of information from each person: where the Moon was at birth. That means the Moon sign (Rashi) and the Moon Nakshatra, the lunar mansion, of which there are 27, each divided into four padas. Because the Moon moves quickly, you need a reasonably accurate birth time and place. If you do not know your Nakshatra, our free Nakshatra calculator works it out from the birth date, time and place.
Nothing else from the chart is used in the 36 points: not the Ascendant, not the position of Mars or Saturn, not the planetary periods (Dashas). That is why astrologers treat Gun Milan as a first filter and then look at the full charts, including Mangal dosha.
The eight kootas and their points
The word koota means a factor or aspect. The eight are arranged so that the more important the factor is considered to be, the more points it carries:
| Koota | Points | What it stands for |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 1 | Temperament and ego compatibility, by the spiritual rank of the Moon signs |
| Vashya | 2 | Mutual attraction and influence |
| Tara | 3 | Health and well-being, by counting between the Nakshatras |
| Yoni | 4 | Physical and instinctive compatibility, by each Nakshatra's animal symbol |
| Graha Maitri | 5 | Mental compatibility, by how the two Moon-sign lords regard each other |
| Gana | 6 | Temperament: Deva (divine), Manushya (human) or Rakshasa |
| Bhakoot | 7 | Emotional bond and family welfare, by the distance between the Moon signs |
| Nadi | 8 | Health and the family line, by the Nadi (Aadi, Madhya, Antya) of each Nakshatra |
The points add up to 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36.
A fully worked example
Take a groom born with the Moon in Rohini (Taurus) and a bride with the Moon in Anuradha (Scorpio). Here is what our calculator does, factor by factor:
| Koota | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 0 / 1 | The groom's Moon sign (Taurus) ranks Vaishya, the bride's (Scorpio) ranks Brahmin. The groom must rank equal or higher to score, so this is 0. |
| Vashya | 0 / 2 | Taurus belongs to the Chatushpada (quadruped) group and Scorpio to the Keeta (insect) group. Those groups do not attract each other in the table, so 0. |
| Tara | 1.5 / 3 | Counting from Rohini to Anuradha and back gives one favourable and one unfavourable count, which scores half marks. |
| Yoni | 2 / 4 | Rohini carries the serpent symbol and Anuradha the deer. They are neither the same nor sworn enemies, so the middle score of 2 out of 4. |
| Graha Maitri | 3 / 5 | Taurus is ruled by Venus and Scorpio by Mars. Venus and Mars are neutral to each other, so 3 out of 5. |
| Gana | 5 / 6 | Rohini is a Manushya (human) Nakshatra and Anuradha a Deva (divine) one. That combination scores 5 out of 6. |
| Bhakoot | 7 / 7 | Taurus and Scorpio are seven signs apart, a harmonious distance, so the full 7. |
| Nadi | 8 / 8 | Rohini and Anuradha belong to different Nadis, so the full 8 points. |
The total is 26.5 out of 36. By the usual bands that is a "very good" match, even though two kootas scored nothing. You can reproduce this in the Gun Milan calculator, which opens with this pair already filled in.
How to read the total
- Below 18: traditionally considered below the threshold. Families often ask a Jyotishi to look at the complete charts before deciding.
- 18 to 24: acceptable. Look closely at which kootas scored zero.
- 25 to 32: a strong match.
- 33 to 36: excellent, and rare.
The 18-point rule of thumb is simply half of 36. It is a convention, not a law of nature, and different traditions weigh the kootas differently. Notice also that a total can hide a lot: two couples can both score 28 while one of them has a Nadi dosha and the other does not. Always look at the table, not just the sum.
Why different websites give slightly different scores
If you try the same pair on three websites you may get three answers that differ by a point or two. The reasons are mundane:
- Some tables (especially Vashya and the Gana pairings) differ between texts and regional traditions.
- Some sites split Dhanu and Makara at the half-sign (15 degrees) for Vashya; others use the whole sign.
- Some software applies exceptions for Bhakoot or Nadi dosha automatically, and some does not.
- A birth time that is a few minutes off can move the Moon into the next Nakshatra or pada.
Our calculator uses the common North-Indian whole-sign scheme and states its choices, so you know exactly what it did.
What Gun Milan cannot tell you
Whatever you believe about astrology, it is worth being clear about the limits. A score does not measure love, communication, finances or character. It is one traditional input into a family decision, together with everything people already know about each other. Use it as a conversation starter and a way of honouring tradition, alongside everything the families already know about the couple, not as a verdict.
Next steps
- Try the free Gun Milan calculator (हिन्दी), or browse any Nakshatra's compatibility with all 27 others.
- Read about Nadi dosha, the factor worth 8 points and the one families ask about most.
- Planning the wedding itself? See the wedding muhurat for November and December 2026.
- Starting a family later? The free Birth Planner shows Kundli-aligned birth windows for a baby, including windows that share the Moon sign, Nakshatra and Lagna of a celebrity you admire, from 5,000+ celebrity charts. It is based on astrology and only works inside the dates your doctor confirms are safe.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Gun Milan score?
Out of 36, 18 or more is traditionally acceptable, 25 or more is considered very good and 33 or more excellent. Look at which individual kootas scored zero, not only the total.
What do I need to calculate Gun Milan?
Only the Moon Nakshatra and pada of each partner. If you do not know yours, enter the birth date, time and place in the Nakshatra calculator.
Why does my score differ from another website?
Some koota tables vary by tradition, some sites apply exceptions automatically, and a few minutes of difference in birth time can change the Nakshatra or pada.
Is Gun Milan enough to decide a marriage?
No. It uses only the Moon. Astrologers also study the full charts, Mangal dosha and planetary periods, and families weigh far more than astrology.
More from the blog
- Wedding Season 2026-27: Why Chaturmas, Kharmas and Guru-Shukra Asta Pause Hindu Weddings
- Nadi Dosha Explained: What It Is, Which Nakshatras Share a Nadi, and the Usual Exceptions
- Introducing AstroTwinz: Find Your Celebrity Twin and Plan a Birth With Your Doctor, All in One Vedic Astrology Platform
- Your Astrological Twin: How to Find the Celebrities Who Share Your Chart, and Plan a Birth Around One
- Vedic Kundli — your birth chart calculated with Swiss Ephemeris (Lahiri).
- Birth Planner — Kundli-aligned birth windows to choose between days your doctor already considers safe.
- Celebrity Twin Matching — find the stars who share your Moon Nakshatra and chart.
Based on astrology; please follow your doctor’s guidance on any birth.
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