1 point
Varna
Outlook and temperament in life and work
Each Moon sign has a varna. The point is given when the groom's is the same as the bride's or higher.
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Guna Darpan
A Guna Milan of all 36 gunas — Ashtakoota’s eight kootas, each one explained, with Nadi, Bhakoot, Gana and Mangal dosha checked. Do not know a birth star? Work it out from the date, time and place of birth.
How it works
The 36 gunas, koota by koota
All eight are read from where the Moon was at each birth — its star (nakshatra) and its sign (rashi).
2 points
Vashya
Mutual attraction and influence
Each Moon sign belongs to one of five groups. The same group gives both points; some pairs of groups give one or a half.
3 points
Tara
Wellbeing and fortune
The stars are counted from each person's to the other's, in both directions. A count that lands on the 3rd, 5th or 7th of each nine loses that direction's 1½ points.
4 points
Yoni
Nature and instinctive compatibility
Each birth star has an animal. The same animal gives all four points; natural friends three, strangers two, wary ones one, and the seven sworn enemies none.
5 points
Graha Maitri
Friendship and understanding
Each Moon sign has a ruling planet. The points depend on how the two planets regard each other: both friendly is all five.
6 points
Gana
Temperament
Each birth star is Deva (gentle), Manushya (human) or Rakshasa (intense). The same gana gives all six; Manushya with Rakshasa none.
7 points
Bhakoot
Family welfare and affection
The two Moon signs are counted from each other. When they fall 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 apart, the seven points are lost — Bhakoot dosha.
8 points
Nadi
Health and the next generation
Each birth star has one of three nadis. Different nadis give all eight points; the same nadi gives none — Nadi dosha.
Reading the total
- Under 18 — Below the traditional 18. Traditionally, fewer than 18 gunas is a reason to look more closely before going ahead. It is one consideration among many — talk it over with your counsellor and family.
- 18 to 24 — Acceptable. Traditionally acceptable for marriage. Look at the doshas below, and at what matters more than any count: devotion, character and the two families.
- 25 to 32 — Very good. A very good agreement of gunas. Check the doshas below as well.
- 33 to 36 — Excellent. An excellent agreement of gunas. Check the doshas below as well.
Questions
About Guna Darpan
What is Guna Milan?
Guna Milan (Ashtakoota) is the traditional way of comparing two birth charts before marriage. It looks at eight aspects — Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Graha Maitri, Gana, Bhakoot and Nadi — worth 1 to 8 points each, 36 in all. All eight are read from where the Moon was at each birth: its star (nakshatra) and sign (rashi).
How many gunas are needed for marriage?
Traditionally 18 or more of the 36 is considered acceptable, 25 or more very good, and 33 or more excellent. Families also look at the doshas — Nadi and Bhakoot especially — and at what matters far more than any count: devotion, character and the two families.
What if I do not know my birth star (nakshatra)?
Choose "Calculate from birth details" and give the date, time and place of birth. The Moon's position is worked out in your browser with the Lahiri ayanamsa that Indian almanacs use, and checked against Drik Panchang's published times to within a minute. The birth details never leave your device.
What are Nadi dosha and Bhakoot dosha?
Nadi dosha is when both birth stars share the same nadi (8 points lost); Bhakoot dosha is when the two Moon signs fall 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 apart (7 points lost). Each has traditional exceptions — for example sharing a birth star but not a Moon sign — which this reading lists when they apply. They ease a dosha; they do not change the score.
How is Mangal (Manglik) dosha checked?
Mars in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house is traditionally called manglik. When the birth details are given, the calculator places Mars from both the ascendant and the Moon: from both is manglik, from one is partially manglik. When both partners are manglik, or neither is, it is considered balanced.
Why does another calculator give a slightly different total?
Traditions differ on a few points between some Vashya groups and on one Gana pairing, so totals can differ by a point or so. This reading follows the North Indian almanacs and says where a convention applies. For a decision, ask your family astrologer to read the full charts.
Is anything I enter stored?
No. The reading is worked out from what you enter and nothing is saved. A shared link carries only the two birth stars, signs and manglik — no names and no birth details.
Places from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Planetary positions computed with Astronomy Engine; Lahiri ayanamsa.
Looking for a devotee to marry?
Every bio-data on Sacred Vivah is checked by a counsellor and approved by the Marriage Board — and a Guna Darpan reading sits beside each one.