Kundali Matching: What Do the 36 Gunas Actually Measure?

Ashtakoota (Gun Milan) compares two charts across eight factors: Varna (1 point), Vashya (2), Tara (3), Yoni (4), Graha Maitri (5), Gana (6), Bhakoot (7) and Nadi (8) -- 36 in all.

Many families treat 18 as the minimum acceptable score, but a total on its own says little. Nadi and Bhakoot carry the most weight and are the ones astrologers look at first.

A good reading also considers the 7th house, Mangal dosha and the couple's dasha timing, not just the score. Treat Gun Milan as one input, not the whole decision.