Guna Milan: The 36-Point Match Explained
Guna Milan, or Ashtakoot Milan, is the traditional 36-point compatibility system used in kundali matching. Each of eight 'kootas' scores an aspect of two people's charts.
The eight kootas
Varna (1), Vashya (2), Tara (3), Yoni (4), Graha Maitri (5), Gana (6), Bhakoot (7) and Nadi (8) sum to 36. They weigh things from temperament and control to health, mentality and progeny — computed from both people's Moon nakshatras.
What the score means
Above ~18 is generally considered acceptable, above ~25 good, and above ~30 excellent. But the number is a starting point, not a verdict — a moderate score with strong individual charts can outlast a high score with weak ones.
What it misses
Guna Milan looks mainly at the Moon. A complete match also weighs the 7th house, Venus, Mars (Manglik), dasha timing and the overall strength of each chart — which is why a full match reads far more than a single number.