वैदिक विवाह अनुकूलता: अष्टकूट मिलीने की सम्पूर्ण मार्गदर्शिका

The 8 Kootas of Ashtakoot Milan: How Vedic Compatibility Is Scored

Ashtakoot Milan — the eight-factor compatibility assessment — is the most widely used structured compatibility framework in Jyotisha. It evaluates eight dimensions (Kootas) of the relationship between two individuals, scored against a total of 36 points. The eight Kootas are: Varna (1 point, assessing social and spiritual evolutionary compatibility), Vashya (2 points, mutual attraction and the natural pull of influence between partners), Tara (3 points, Nakshatra-based birth star compatibility and general auspiciousness of the relationship), Yoni (4 points, sexual temperament and physical compatibility), Graha Maitri (5 points, the planetary friendship between the Rashi lords of both Moon signs, indicating mental harmony and mutual understanding), Gana (6 points, the temperamental classification — Deva, Manushya, or Rakshasa — and its compatibility), Bhakoot (7 points, the Rashi relationship governing health, prosperity, and longevity of the family), and Nadi (8 points, the constitutional energy type governing health of children and general vitality compatibility). The three constitutional categories — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha represented as Aadi, Madhya, and Antya Nadi — must differ between partners for full marks. The accepted interpretive thresholds are: scores below 18 (50%) are generally considered inauspicious and require chart-level scrutiny before proceeding; scores of 18 through 24 are acceptable; 24 through 28 are good; and 28 through 36 are excellent. The score provides a rapid structured screen, not a final verdict.