Nakshatra Compatibility
The complete Vedic guide to Guna Milan — how the 27 lunar mansions reveal love, marriage, and lifelong harmony.
In Vedic astrology, the deepest layer of compatibility analysis is not the Sun sign or even the Moon sign — it is the nakshatra, the lunar mansion the Moon occupies at birth. There are 27 nakshatras spanning the zodiac, and matching two people's nakshatras through Ashtakoot Milan (the eight-fold matching) has guided Indian marriages for thousands of years.
Unlike Western synastry, which focuses on emotional chemistry, nakshatra compatibility examines practical harmony: shared values, sexual fit, family prosperity, health, and the karmic lessons two souls will face together.
The 8 Kootas of Guna Milan
Varna (1 pt)
Spiritual & ego compatibility — measures shared values and life direction.
Vashya (2 pts)
Mutual attraction and the natural pull between the two charts.
Tara (3 pts)
Birth star compatibility — predicts overall destiny and health together.
Yoni (4 pts)
Sexual and physical compatibility, based on animal symbolism of nakshatras.
Graha Maitri (5 pts)
Friendship between ruling planets — mental and intellectual harmony.
Gana (6 pts)
Temperament match (Deva, Manushya, Rakshasa) — daily-life compatibility.
Bhakoot (7 pts)
Emotional bond and the impact on prosperity, family, and children.
Nadi (8 pts)
Health, genetics, and progeny — the heaviest factor in Vedic matching.
Total: 36 points · Acceptable match: 18+ · Excellent: 24+
Explore All 27 Nakshatras
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nakshatra compatibility?
Nakshatra compatibility — also called Ashtakoot Milan or Guna Milan — is the traditional Vedic system for matching two birth charts using the 27 lunar mansions (nakshatras). It scores eight dimensions of compatibility for a total of 36 points; 18 or higher is considered a good match.
How is nakshatra compatibility calculated?
The Moon's nakshatra in each person's birth chart is compared across eight factors (Kootas): Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Graha Maitri, Gana, Bhakoot and Nadi. Each factor carries a different weight, and the sum produces the Guna score out of 36.
What is a good nakshatra match score?
A score of 18+ out of 36 is traditionally considered acceptable for marriage. 24+ is very good, and 32+ is exceptional. Below 18 the match is considered challenging and may need remedies.
Is nakshatra compatibility more accurate than Western zodiac matching?
Both systems answer different questions. Vedic nakshatra matching focuses on long-term marital harmony (health, children, finances), while Western synastry focuses on personality dynamics and emotional chemistry. Many people consult both for a complete picture.
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