The 8 Kootas Explained: How Your Compatibility Score is Calculated

The Ashtakoot (8-Category) system is the engine of Vedic compatibility. It assigns points to 8 different aspects of life, summing up to 36. But what do these points actually measure? This guide breaks down each Koota to help you understand the specific strengths and weaknesses of your match.

1. Varna (1 Point) - Spiritual & Mental Ego

Varna classifies individuals into four categories: Brahmin (Knowledge-seekers), Kshatriya (Leaders/Protectors), Vaishya (Pragmatists/Business), and Shudra (Service-oriented).
The Logic: In ancient times, it ensured that the couple shared a similar "life mission." Scientifically, it maps to intellectual ego. If a highly intellectual person (Brahmin) marries someone who only cares about material productivity (Vaishya), their intellectual egos might clash.
Calculation: If the Groom's Varna is equal to or higher than the Bride's, it scores 1 full point. If lower, it scores 0.

2. Vashya (2 Points) - Power Dynamics

Vashya looks at "Magnetism" and "Control." It classifies the Moon signs into five categories: Chatushpad (Four-legged), Manav (Human), Jalchar (Water-dwelling), Vanachar (Wild-dwelling), and Keet (Insect).
Psychological Significance: It determines who will hold the "reins" in the house. A good score here suggests a balanced power dynamic where neither partner feels suppressed.
Example: A Lion (Vanachar) and a Human (Manav) might struggle for dominance. A Human and a Human understand each other's power.

3. Tara (3 Points) - Destiny & Long-Term Health

Tara Koot measures the health and birth destiny of the couple. It is calculated by counting from the boy's Nakshatra to the girl's and dividing by 9.
The Nine Taras: Janma, Sampat, Vipat, Kshem, Pratyari, Sadhak, Vadha, Mitra, and Ati-Mitra.
If the count lands on 3 (Vipat - Danger), 5 (Pratyari - Obstacle), or 7 (Vadha - Destruction), it scores 0. This implies that the partner brings "Bad Luck" or obstacles to your life.

4. Yoni (4 Points) - Intimacy & Sexual Nature

This is perhaps the most fascinating Koota. Every Nakshatra is assigned an animal symbol (Horse, Elephant, Sheep, Snake, Dog, etc.).
Biological Rhythm: It assesses physical attraction and chemical compatibility. Some animals are friendly (Elephant and Lion - neutral), while some are "Swabhava Shatru" (Natural Enemies), like the Snake and Mongoose.
Impact of Zero Score: If you score a zero here, it DOES NOT mean you can't have children. But it often means a lack of sexual spark. The marriage might become platonic or "brother-sister" like over time.

5. Graha Maitri (5 Points) - Mental Friendship

This measures the relationship between the ruling planets of the couple's Moon signs.
The Glue of Marriage: If Sun and Moon are friends, their personalities will "click." If Mercury and Mars are enemies, they might fight about every decision. 5/5 here is the hallmark of a relationship where you can talk all night and never get bored.
Example: Gemini (Mercury) and Virgo (Mercury) match perfectly (5/5) because they both love communication. Gemini (Mercury) and Aries (Mars) might argue (0.5/5) because Mars is aggressive and Mercury is analytical.

6. Gana (6 Points) - Temperamental Accord

Classifies souls as Deva (Divine), Manushya (Human), or Rakshasa (Intense).
The Logic: Deva souls are content; Rakshasa souls are ambitious and intense. A Deva-Deva match is super stable. A Deva-Rakshasa match is often rejected because the Deva person might feel emotionally bullied by the Rakshasa intensity.
The Cancellation: If Rashi Lords are friends (Good Graha Maitri), Gana Dosha is often ignored because the "Friendship" helps them tolerate the "Temperament difference."

7. Bhakoot (7 Points) - Emotional Stability

Bhakoot checks the distance between the two Moon signs (Rashi).
The Forbidden Distances:
- 6-8 (Shadashtak): One represents the 6th house (enemies) to the other, and the other represents the 8th house (death/transformation). This brings intense conflict.
- 2-12 (Dwadasha): One represents loss (12th) to the other's wealth (2nd). This brings financial stress.
- 5-9: Usually good, but sometimes indicates ego clashes regarding children.

8. Nadi (8 Points) - Physiological Constitution

The final and most important check. It classifies people into Adi (Vata), Madhya (Pitta), and Antya (Kapha) Nadis.
The Rule: Two people of the same Nadi MUST NOT marry (Nadi Dosha), as it implies they are "too similar" at a biological/genetic level, potentially leading to weakened immune systems in progeny.
Exceptions: If the Groom and Bride belong to the same Moon sign but different quarters of the Nakshatra, the Dosha is cancelled.

Detailed FAQ on Ashtakoot

Q1: Which Koota is the most dangerous to fail?
Nadi (8 points). It hits the health/genetic pillar. Bhakoot (7 points) is second.

Q2: My Nadi is 0 but Gunas are 24. Should I worry?
Yes. A score of 24 with 0 Nadi is a "Deceptive Score." Check for Nadi cancellations (same Rashi lord, different Padas) immediately.

Q3: Is Yoni Koot only about sex?
Primarily, yes. But it also reflects "Animal Instincts"—how you sleep, eat, and relax. If Yoni matches, you feel physically comfortable in each other's silence.

Q4: Why does Varna only have 1 point?
Because in the modern world, work/caste roles are fluid. A Brahmin can do business, a Vaishya can teach. Spiritual ego is less critical for survival than Health (Nadi).

Conclusion

Understanding the 8 Kootas takes you from being a passive observer of your Kundali report to being an informed architect of your own relationship. Use this information not to fear your score, but to understand WHERE the friction points lie and how to work through them.

Become an expert in your own match. Get a detailed 8-Koota breakdown now.

Appendix: Essential Dictionary of Vedic Matchmaking Terms

Understanding your Kundali report requires knowing the language of the Stars. Here is a comprehensive glossary of the Sanskrit terms you will encounter in any authentic Vedic horoscope matching report.

The 8 Kootas (Categories)

• Varna (1 Point): Spiritual and Ego compatibility. Determines if the egos of the couple can coexist without domination.
• Vashya (2 Points): Mutual Attraction and Control. Represents the ability of the couple to influence each other positively.
• Tara (3 Points): Destiny and Luck. A calculation based on Nakshatras to see if the partner brings good fortune or obstacles.
• Yoni (4 Points): Biological and Sexual Compatibility. Symbolized by animals (e.g., Tiger, Deer), indicating physical affinity.
• Graha Maitri (5 Points): Psychological Friendship. The most important section for mental peace. It checks if the Moon Lords are friends.
• Gana (6 Points): Temperament. Classifies people into Deva (Divine), Manushya (Human), and Rakshasa (Demon/Intense) to check lifestyle fit.
• Bhakoot (7 Points): Emotional Flow. Checks the relative position of Moons (e.g., 6-8 axis) to predict emotional growth or stagnation.
• Nadi (8 Points): Genetic Health. The most critical score for biological health and progeny. Nadi Dosha is a major red flag.

Planetary Terms

• Lagna (Ascendant): The Zodiac sign rising on the Eastern horizon at birth. Represents your physical body and outer personality.
• Rashi (Moon Sign): The Zodiac sign whereby the Moon was positioned at birth. Represents your mind and emotions.
• Nakshatra (Constellation): A smaller division of the sky (27 stars). More precise than Rashi for matching.
• Dasha (Planetary Period): A specific timeline where one planet rules your life (e.g., Saturn Dasha for 19 years).
• Antardasha: A sub-period within a Dasha.

Common Doshas (Defects)

• Mangal Dosha (Manglik): Mars in 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 12 houses. Causes aggression and high energy. Needs a matching Manglik partner.
• Nadi Dosha: Same genetic type. Risks health issues in children.
• Bhakoot Dosha: Bad Moon relationship (6-8 or 2-12). Causes verified emotional distance.
• Kal Sarp Dosha: All planets hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. Causes struggle in the first half of life.
• Pitra Dosha: Ancestral debt. Shows up as delays in progeny or marriage.

House Meanings in Marriage

• 1st House: The Self. (Must be strong for any relationship to work).
• 2nd House: Family and Wealth. (Savings after marriage).
• 4th House: Domestic Peace and Mother. (Happiness at home).
• 5th House: Romance and Children. (Love affairs and progeny).
• 7th House: The Partner / Spouse. (The main house of marriage).
• 8th House: Longevity and In-Laws. (The hidden aspects of marriage).
• 12th House: Bedroom Pleasures and Loss. (Sexual compatibility).