The Eight Koots and Their Point Values
The eight assessment categories, their maximum points, and what each measures:
- Varna (1 point): spiritual/psychological hierarchy matching. Rough measure of spiritual orientation compatibility.
- Vashya (2 points): mutual control and influence. Who naturally influences whom in the relationship.
- Tara (3 points): health and longevity assessment based on nakshatra distance calculations.
- Yoni (4 points): physical and sexual compatibility. Each nakshatra is assigned an animal symbol; certain animal pairs are compatible, others are adversarial.
- Graha Maitri (5 points): mental compatibility and friendship between the Moon sign lords of both partners.
- Gana (6 points): temperament matching. Each nakshatra belongs to one of three ganas: Deva (divine/sattvic), Manushya (human/rajasic), Rakshasa (intense/tamasic).
- Bhakoot (7 points): relational harmony and financial compatibility, based on the sign-count between the two Moon signs.
- Nadi (8 points): health, progeny, and genetic compatibility. The most heavily weighted koot.
Which Koots Matter Most
Classical texts consistently identify Nadi, Bhakoot, and Gana as the three most critical koots. A zero score on any of these three — called a Nadi Dosha, Bhakoot Dosha, or Gana Dosha — is treated as a significant obstacle by traditional families, regardless of the total score.
Nadi (8 points): Nadi refers to the energy channel or constitution type. Each nakshatra is assigned to one of three nadis: Adi (first), Madhya (middle), Antya (last). Both partners having the same nadi creates Nadi Dosha — traditionally considered the most serious, as it predicts incompatibility in progeny and health. If both partners are in the same nadi, the Nadi score is 0/8.
Bhakoot (7 points): The count from the male Moon sign to the female, and vice versa, determines Bhakoot. Certain counts (6-8, 5-9, 12-2) are considered inauspicious as they indicate energetic opposition in the relationship axis. Bhakoot Dosha at 0/7 is serious, particularly the 6-8 count which classical texts associate with financial drain between partners.
Gana (6 points): A Deva-Rakshasa match (one partner sattvic, the other in the intense Rakshasa temperament category) scores 0. Classical astrologers treat this as a significant temperament mismatch. However, modern practice is more nuanced: a 0 Gana score with strong overall compatibility factors can still produce a workable marriage.
Total Score Interpretation
The traditional scoring bands: 0-17 points — not recommended; 18-24 points — acceptable with conditions (look for dosha cancellations); 25-32 points — good match; 32-36 points — excellent match.
Important caveat: the Ashtakoot score is an initial filter, not the complete answer. Classical Jyotish also requires checking: the strength of the 7th house, 7th lord, and Venus in each individual chart; the presence or absence of Manglik Dosha and its cancellation status; and the compatibility of the Navamsa charts, particularly the 7th house in D9. A couple scoring 28/36 in Ashtakoot but both having severely afflicted 7th houses may have more marital difficulty than a couple scoring 20/36 with strong 7th houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum Ashtakoot score for marriage?
Traditional Jyotish recommends a minimum of 18/36, with no zero scores in Nadi, Bhakoot, or Gana. However, the Ashtakoot score alone is not sufficient — the individual charts' 7th house strength and Navamsa compatibility must also be examined.
Is Nadi Dosha always fatal for a marriage?
Nadi Dosha (same nadi nakshatra for both partners) is the most seriously regarded mismatch. However, classical texts list specific cancellation conditions: if both partners have the same Moon sign (rashi) despite the same nadi, it is cancelled. If both are born in the same nakshatra, some schools cancel the dosha. A qualified Jyotishi should assess cancellation conditions before treating Nadi Dosha as absolute.
Can a couple with a low Ashtakoot score have a good marriage?
Yes. Ashtakoot is a Moon-sign-based compatibility filter — it does not account for the full complexity of either chart. Strong individual 7th houses, compatible Navamsa charts, and aligned dasha periods are more predictive of marriage quality than a high Gun Milan score alone.