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Kundali matching, explained

Kundali matching, or Ashtakoota milan, is the traditional Vedic way of comparing two birth charts before marriage.

How the score works

The method compares each person's Moon sign and nakshatra (birth star) across eight factors, or kootas. Each factor carries a different number of points, adding up to 36: Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8.

Reading the result

Traditionally, 18 or more points is considered acceptable, though practice varies by family and region. The individual factors matter as much as the total, and an uncertain birth time can change the Moon's nakshatra. A score describes a traditional framework; it does not decide a relationship.

Why both birth times matter

The Moon moves about 13 degrees a day, so it changes nakshatra roughly once a day. A birth near that change can shift several factors.