How Guna Milan Works

Marriage compatibility in Vedic astrology often begins with guna milan — matching two birth charts across eight classical factors. Here is how the 36-point system works and what Antara's free tool shows you.

What is guna milan?

Guna (गुण) means quality or attribute. Milan means matching. Together, guna milan scores how two charts align on eight kootas (categories): varna, vashya, tara, yoni, graha maitri, gana, bhakoot, and nadi.

Each koota awards a fixed number of points. The maximum total is 36. Traditionally, 18 or more is considered acceptable for marriage; 24+ is strong.

The eight kootas in brief

Varna (1 point)

Social temperament compatibility — whether the couple's spiritual orientation aligns.

Vashya (2 points)

Mutual influence and control dynamics between the signs.

Tara (3 points)

Birth star compatibility — nakshatra relationship between Moon positions.

Yoni (4 points)

Temperamental and physical compatibility symbolised by animal pairs.

Graha maitri (5 points)

Friendship between the lords of each person's Moon sign.

Gana (6 points)

Temperament class — deva, manushya, or rakshasa nature.

Bhakoot (7 points)

Moon sign relationship — emotional harmony and prosperity indications.

Nadi (8 points)

Health and progeny factor — the highest-weight koota; same nadi is traditionally avoided.

What the score does not tell you

Guna milan is a screen, not a verdict. Classical matching also weighs:

• Seventh house strength and its lord
• Mangal dosha (Mars placement considerations)
• Dasha timing for both partners
• Overall chart dignity

A low score deserves conversation. A high score does not guarantee ease — it means the classical factors align on paper.

Try it on Antara

Our kundli match tool computes both charts, scores all eight kootas, and shows the breakdown with reasons. Nothing is saved after the session — it is a one-and-done check.

For the definition of guna in Jyotisha philosophy, see the guna glossary entry.