This manual Guna Milan guide shows you how to calculate the 36-point score by hand so you can verify any calculator and explain the result in plain English. Pair it with the tool guide Guna Calculator: Free 36-Point Matching Tool Guide and link it from the tools hub: Vedic Astrology Tools Guide.

Quick Overview (Why Manual Matters)

  • Confirms calculator results and builds trust with family.
  • Highlights which kootas (buckets) create tension so you can add remedies.
  • Uses simple tables—no complex math beyond lookup and sums.

The Eight Kootas (Score Map)

KootaPointsWhat it MeasuresQuick Goal
Varna1TemperamentAvoid ego clashes
Vashya2Mutual influenceBalanced give-and-take
Tara/Dina3Star compatibilitySteady daily harmony
Yoni4Natural compatibilityRespect and care
Graha Maitri5Planetary friendshipMental/emotional bonding
Gana6Nature/paceLifestyle fit
Bhakoot7Moon sign harmonyLong-term stability
Nadi8Health/pranic flowSafety and wellbeing

Total = 36 points.

Prep Steps (3 Minutes)

  1. Collect both birth details: date/time/city; confirm time zone.
  2. Find each person’s Moon sign (Rashi) and Nakshatra (birth star) via a basic chart or calculator.
  3. Keep the standard Ashtakoota tables ready (use the summaries below).

Calculation Steps (Layer by Layer)

1) Varna (1 Point)

  • Categories: Brahmin > Kshatriya > Vaishya > Shudra (hierarchy used only for scoring).
  • Rule: If groom’s Varna is higher or equal to bride’s, score = 1, else 0.
  • Plain meaning: Temperament and values; if 0, focus on respect and communication.

2) Vashya (2 Points)

  • Based on Rashi groups (Chatushpada, Manav, etc.).
  • Table lookup: Friendly pairs get 2, neutral 1, unfriendly 0.
  • Plain meaning: Influence balance; if low, set clear boundaries and shared decisions.

3) Tara/Dina (3 Points)

  • Count stars between bride’s Nakshatra and groom’s, divide by 9; check remainders.
  • Points: 0/1/2/3 based on remainder-friendly positions.
  • Plain meaning: Day-to-day harmony; low score → add daily kindness rituals.

4) Yoni (4 Points)

  • Nakshatra-specific animal pairs; friendly = 4/3, neutral = 2, adverse = 0/1.
  • Plain meaning: Natural compatibility; low score → focus on mutual care and consent.

5) Graha Maitri (5 Points)

  • Based on Moon sign lords’ friendships.
  • Friendly = 5/4, neutral = 3, enemies = 0/1/2.
  • Plain meaning: Mental rapport; low score → communication practice and Mercury mantra.

6) Gana (6 Points)

  • Deva / Manushya / Rakshasa types.
  • Friendly/neutral = 6/5/4; mismatch like Rakshasa vs Deva can be 0–1.
  • Plain meaning: Lifestyle pace; low score → schedule and expectation alignment.

7) Bhakoot (7 Points)

  • Moon sign pairings; some pairs are zero due to dosha (e.g., 6/8 or 9/5 relationships).
  • Plain meaning: Long-term flow; low score → Jupiter/Venus charity, joint planning.

8) Nadi (8 Points)

  • Three Nadis: Adi, Madhya, Antya. Same Nadi = 0 (dosha) unless exceptions; different = 8.
  • Plain meaning: Health/energy flow; low score → health focus and Moon/Venus remedies.

Fast Table Summaries (Cheat Sheets)

  • Keep printable tables for Vashya, Yoni, Gana, Bhakoot, and Nadi.
  • Highlight the pair you have; copy the point to your sheet.
  • Total all eight kootas to get the final 36-point score.

Example Calculation (Walkthrough)

  1. Identify both Nakshatras and Moon signs.
  2. Varna: Groom higher/equal → 1.
  3. Vashya: Check table → 2.
  4. Tara: Count stars, apply formula → 2.
  5. Yoni: Table → 3.
  6. Graha Maitri: Lords friendly → 5.
  7. Gana: Neutral → 5.
  8. Bhakoot: Tension pair → 0.
  9. Nadi: Different → 8.
    Total: 26/36. Interpretation: Good foundation, watch Bhakoot; add Jupiter/Venus remedies and communication routines.

Interpreting Scores (Plain English)

  • 32–36: Strong alignment; keep honest habits and shared rituals.
  • 25–31: Solid; manage specific low kootas with focused remedies.
  • 18–24: Mixed; add counseling, consistent communication, and targeted remedies.
  • Below 18: High effort; consider counseling and values alignment carefully.

Remedies by Low Koota

  • Nadi: Health focus, Moon/Venus mantras, joint wellness plans.
  • Bhakoot: Jupiter charity (education), Venus harmony rituals, clear budgeting.
  • Gana: Pace alignment; Saturn discipline + Venus kindness.
  • Graha Maitri: Mercury communication practice; weekly check-ins.
  • Tara/Yoni: Build daily kindness rituals and respect boundaries.

Communication Scripts (Keep It Kind)

  • “These scores guide effort, not fate.”
  • “We’ll focus on the lower kootas with specific habits and remedies.”
  • “Let’s keep weekly 15-minute check-ins to stay aligned.”

When to Recalculate

  • After birth time rectification.
  • When using new Nakshatra data.
  • If manual and tool results differ by >2 points in Bhakoot/Nadi; double-check inputs and time zones.

Myths vs Facts

  • Myth: Low Nadi ends everything. Fact: It signals health/energy attention; remedies + habits help.
  • Myth: Calculator alone decides. Fact: Human values, respect, consent, and habits matter more.
  • Myth: Remedies must be expensive. Fact: Mantras, charity, and communication are low-cost, high-impact.

Quick Checklist

  • Collect Moon signs and Nakshatras for both.
  • Use tables to score each koota; sum to 36.
  • Identify low kootas; pick matching remedies and habits.
  • Revisit in 30–60 days with a counseling/communication check-in.

Manual Guna Milan builds transparency: clear math, plain language, and steady remedies keep the process respectful and calm.