How Does Vedic Astrology Assess Compatibility Between Two People?
Vedic astrology has a sophisticated, multi-dimensional system for assessing compatibility between two people — called the Ashtakoot system (eight-fold compatibility analysis). Unlike Western synastry, which overlays two charts and analyses planetary aspects between them, the Ashtakoot system scores compatibility across eight specific dimensions, producing a total score out of 36 points called the Guna Milan.
This system has been used for centuries in the context of marriage matching in the Indian tradition, and it remains the primary compatibility framework in classical Parashari Jyotish. A score above 18 is generally considered compatible; a score above 24 is considered good; a score above 30 is considered excellent.
The Eight Dimensions of Ashtakoot Compatibility
Varna (1 point) — spiritual compatibility and the alignment of life purpose between the two individuals.
Vashya (2 points) — the natural dominance and influence dynamic between the two charts, indicating who tends to lead and who tends to follow in the relationship.
Tara (3 points) — birth star compatibility, assessing the health and longevity implications of the relationship based on the Nakshatra distance between the two Moon signs.
Yoni (4 points) — temperamental and physical compatibility, based on the animal symbol associated with each Nakshatra. This dimension assesses natural affinity and harmony in day-to-day interaction.
Graha Maitri (5 points) — planetary friendship between the Moon sign lords of the two charts, indicating intellectual and emotional compatibility and the ease of mutual understanding.
Gana (6 points) — the fundamental disposition of each person (Deva/divine, Manushya/human, or Rakshasa/fierce) and their compatibility. Same-Gana matches are generally harmonious; opposite-Gana matches may require conscious effort.
Bhakoot (7 points) — the most heavily weighted dimension, assessing the emotional and financial compatibility of the relationship based on the relative positions of the two Moon signs. Certain Bhakoot combinations are considered challenging and are carefully evaluated.
Nadi (8 points) — the highest-weighted dimension, assessing health, progeny, and genetic compatibility. Same-Nadi matches (both charts having the same Nadi) are traditionally considered inauspicious and are carefully examined.
Kuja Dosha — The Mars Affliction
Kuja Dosha (also called Mangal Dosha) is one of the most discussed factors in Vedic compatibility analysis. It occurs when Mars occupies certain houses (1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th) in the natal chart. Kuja Dosha is believed to create friction and challenges in marriage, particularly around the 7th house themes of partnership. However, its severity depends on several mitigating factors — including the sign Mars occupies, aspects from benefic planets, and whether both partners have Kuja Dosha (which is considered to cancel the affliction). A proper Kuja Dosha assessment requires careful analysis, not a simple yes/no determination.
What TealChart's Compatibility Reading Covers
TealChart's Compatibility Reading provides the full 36-point Guna Milan score with a dimension-by-dimension breakdown, a Kuja Dosha assessment for both partners with mitigating factors considered, Nakshatra compatibility analysis, a relationship archetype narrative, and a long-term prognosis. The report is delivered as a professionally formatted PDF of approximately 20–25 pages.