How Many Gunas Should Match for a Successful Marriage?
Discover the truth about Guna matching in Vedic astrology beyond just the 36-point score
One of the most common questions in Vedic astrology is: "How many gunas should match for a successful marriage?" The short answer: at least 18 out of 36 gunas are considered acceptable. But there's much more to the story.
Understanding the 36 Guna System
In Vedic astrology, Ashtakoot Milan (eight-fold matching) is used to assess marriage compatibility. It awards a maximum of 36 points (gunas) based on the Moon sign positions of the bride and groom.
The 8 Kootas (Categories)
- Varna (1 point): Spiritual compatibility
- Vashya (2 points): Mutual attraction and control
- Tara (3 points): Health and destiny
- Yoni (4 points): Sexual compatibility
- Graha Maitri (5 points): Mental compatibility
- Gana (6 points): Temperament matching
- Bhakoot (7 points): Love and emotional bonding
- Nadi (8 points): Health, progeny, and genetic compatibility
Minimum Gunas Required
Below 18 gunas: Not recommended
18-24 gunas: Average match, workable with effort
25-32 gunas: Good match, compatible couple
33-36 gunas: Excellent match, highly compatible
But Wait—Guna Matching Isn't Everything!
While guna matching is important, experienced astrologers know that several other factors matter more:
1. Nadi Dosha
If both partners have the same Nadi, it's considered a major incompatibility (even with high gunas). This affects health and progeny.
2. Manglik Dosha
Mars in certain houses creates Mangal Dosha, which can cause challenges in marriage—regardless of guna score.
3. 7th House Analysis
The condition of the 7th house (marriage house) in both charts reveals the true marriage potential.
4. Navamsa Chart (D9)
The divisional chart for marriage shows deeper compatibility that guna matching cannot capture.
Real-Life Truth
Many successful marriages have low guna scores, while some high-score matches fail. Why? Because marriage success depends on:
- Overall chart compatibility (not just Moon signs)
- Dasha periods (planetary cycles) of both partners
- Individual maturity and willingness to adjust
- Family support and circumstances
Get Comprehensive Marriage Matching
Don't rely on just guna scores! Get a complete compatibility analysis including Navamsa, doshas, and timing from Astrologer Abhishek Soni.
Book Match Making ConsultationFinal Verdict
Aim for at least 18-20 gunas, but remember: quality of match matters more than quantity. A holistic chart analysis by an experienced astrologer is far more valuable than blindly following guna scores.
