Whenever marriage is discussed in an Indian household, the first advice almost always is—match the horoscopes first. Far from a ritualistic formality, in my lived experience, this practice lays the groundwork for harmony and happiness for all the years to come. For the bride and groom to walk together with balance and joy, their mental, emotional, and behavioral energies must complement each other. For centuries, this has been the reason Ashtakoot Milan is considered the essential first step in marriage.
The Eight Parameters of Ashtakoot Milan — A Deep Dive into Each Aspect
1. Varna (वर्ण – Varna): Foundation of Personality and Mindset
- Transliteration: Varna
- Meaning: Varna primarily reflects caste/heritage or a similarity in mental and social levels.
- Total Points: 1
- Essence: Represents mental compatibility, shared cultural values, and mutual respect.
- Details: Four Varnas—Brahmana (brāhmaṇa), Kshatriya (kṣatriya), Vaishya (vaiśya), and Shudra (śūdra). If the groom's varna is equal to or higher than the bride's, it is most favorable.
- Importance: A matching or superior varna indicates alignment in beliefs and life values, fostering respect.
2. Vashya (वश्य – Vaśya): Influence and Adaptability
- Transliteration: Vashya
- Meaning: Decides the degree of mutual influence between spouses.
- Total Points: 2
- Types: Human (manuṣya), Aquatic (jalacara), Wild (vanacara), Animal (paśu), Insect (kīta)
- Details: Shows who will be more influential or adaptive in circumstances, impacting leadership and harmony in the relationship.
- Importance: Avoids instability or power struggles and encourages emotional compatibility.
3. Tara (तारा – Tārā): Fortune, Balance, and Health
- Transliteration: Tara
- Meaning: Section indicates auspicious or inauspicious planetary influences on married life.
- Total Points: 3
- Types: There are nine Taras (stars) derived from 27 nakshatras, such as Janma, Sampat, Vipat, Kshema, Pratyari, Sadhaka, Vadh, Mitra, Ati Mitra.
- Importance: Impacts health, prosperity, and fortune. Favorable Tara matching can enhance conjugal bliss.
4. Yoni (योनि – Yoni): Physical and Innate Compatibility
- Transliteration: Yoni
- Meaning: Indicates depth of personality, intimacy, and drive.
- Total Points: 4
- Types: Fourteen types, such as Horse (aśva), Lion (siṃha), Dog (śvāna), etc.
- Details: Conflicting yonis may lead to dissatisfaction, health issues, or fulfillment barriers.
- Importance: Core parameter for marital intimacy and progeny.
5. Graha Maitri (ग्रहमैत्री – Graha Maitrī): Friendship, Trust, and Ideology
- Transliteration: Graha Maitri
- Meaning: Assesses the friendship and relationships between the ruling planets of the couple's Moon signs.
- Total Points: 5
- Specialty: If their planets are friendly, lasting love, understanding, and dialogue stay strong.
- Importance: Creates enduring trust, advice sharing, and emotional harmony.
6. Gan (गण – Gaṇa): Natural Temperament and Compatibility
- Transliteration: Gan
- Meaning: Reflects the inherent temperament and inclination of a person—Deva (divine), Manushya (human), Rakshasa (demonic).
- Total Points: 6
- Principle:
- Deva–Deva or Deva–Manushya: highly compatible
- Deva–Rakshasa or Rakshasa–Deva: likely to clash
- Manushya–Rakshasa: average compatibility
- Importance: Ensures natural compatibility, smooth communication, and household peace.
7. Bhakoot (भकूट – Bhakūṭa): Longevity, Prosperity, and Progeny
- Transliteration: Bhakoot
- Meaning: Points are given based on the Moon position in both horoscopes.
- Total Points: 7
- Impact:
- Right Bhakoot: longevity, financial safety, strong relationships
- Faulty Bhakoot: can indicate issues with children, lifespan, or health
- Importance: Ensures marital stability and prosperity.
8. Nadi (नाड़ी – Nāḍī): Health, Progeny, and Generational Security
- Transliteration: Nadi
- Meaning: Closely linked with progeny and health.
- Total Points: 8
- Three Types: Adi (first), Madhya (middle), Antya (last)
- Rule: The bride and groom must have different Nadis; same Nadi can signal difficulties regarding children.
- Importance: Directly relates to progeny and the overall health of future generations.
Table: The Eight Parameters, Their Points, and Their Impact
Parameter | Points | Impact on Life |
---|
Varna | 1 | Basic values, shared mentality |
Vashya | 2 | Emotional balance, leadership |
Tara | 3 | Fortune, health, perseverance |
Yoni | 4 | Intimacy, marital satisfaction |
Graha Maitri | 5 | Friendship, alignment of thoughts |
Gan | 6 | Nature, communication, home harmony |
Bhakoot | 7 | Longevity, children, marital stability |
Nadi | 8 | Children, health, security for future generations |
Gun Matching and Marriage Eligibility — What Do These Scores Indicate?
In Ashtakoot, there are a total of 36 points. Scoring 18 or above is considered suitable for marriage.
Total Points (Gun) | Match Category | Practical Outcome/Meaning |
---|
0-17 | Poor Match | Not recommended for marriage, likely challenges |
18-24 | Average Match | Possible with caution and mutual understanding |
25-32 | Good Match | Strong practical and emotional compatibility |
33-36 | Excellent Match | Exceptional understanding and auspicious partnership |
The Real Essence of Scoring: Numbers, Relationships, and True Bonding
Sometimes couples with a lower score go on to enjoy deep love, friendship, and respect, while some with high scores still face struggles. Remember, Ashtakoot only provides direction—the relationship is truly sustained by values, affection, trust, and wisdom.
Is Marriage Possible Without Ashtakoot Milan?
Yes, many times families give preference to personal choice and mutual understanding. Still, when science and tradition merge, it adds another layer of security to the marital future. There are several Vedic remedies for deficiencies in Ashtakoot or low matching scores, which can help stabilize marriage.
Simple and Effective Remedies for Ashtakoot Dosha
- Choosing an auspicious wedding date (shubh muhurta).
- Conducting yajnas and rituals for planetary harmony.
- Using gemstones or mantra recitation as suited to the dosha.
- Practicing regular post-marriage worship, open discussion, and family dialogue.
Practical Wisdom: Why Each Parameter Truly Matters
Often, only the total points or ‘guns’ are checked in horoscope matching, but in my experience, most marital trouble arises when hidden faults or clashes in these eight parameters are overlooked. Many couples with ‘average’ scores live happily if key doshas are remedied early. Every parameter, every point is significant, and each relationship is as individual and unique as the people in it.
If you are considering horoscope matching for the most significant decision in your life, pay close attention to the details of all eight factors—do not limit yourself to mere numbers. This is the real foundation for a life of happiness, health, and harmony.