When the kundli is not matching, first find out why. Ask the pandit which kootas scored 0, whether a cancellation rule applies to that dosha, and whether a full reading of both charts changes his view. A total under 18 out of 36 is a reason to look closer. On its own, it does not settle the matter.
This page is for the family that has just got the report back and is unsure what to say to the other side.
Why a Low Score Is Not Always a No
A guna score is a total of 8 separate checks, all worked out from the moon's star and sign. It says nothing about the rest of the two charts, and nothing about the boy and girl as people.
Two matches can have the same total and mean very different things. A score of 16 where nadi and bhakoot are both full is weak in the small kootas, like varna and tara. A score of 26 with nadi at 0 has failed the koota that Drik Panchang's matching page says is given "supreme priority". Most pandits worry more about the second one.
So the first question is never "how many gunas?" It is "which kootas failed?"
Step 1, Check for Dosha Cancellation
Classical texts give exceptions for the three doshas families fear most. Ask the pandit to check each one that applies.
| Dosha found | Common cancellation the pandit may check |
|---|---|
| Nadi dosha (same nadi, 0 of 8) | Same rasi but different nakshatra, or same nakshatra but different rasi. Some also accept different padas. |
| Bhakoot dosha (0 of 7) | The two rasis have the same lord, such as Mesha and Vrischika (both Mars), or the lords are friends |
| Manglik mismatch | Both are manglik, or the dosha is weak or cancelled in one chart |
These rules come from texts like Muhurta Chintamani, and astrologers do not all accept the same list. Our pages on nadi dosha cancellation and bhakoot dosha go through them in detail.
Online reports often print the raw score and stop. A cancellation may never show up unless someone asks.
Step 2, Get a Full Chart Reading
Gun milan uses only the moon. A full reading uses the lagna, all nine planets and the divisional charts. It needs the exact birth time of both.
An astrologer doing a full reading usually looks at:
- The 7th house of each chart (the house of marriage) and its lord
- Venus, and for a girl's chart Jupiter too, as traditional markers for the spouse
- The navamsa (D9) chart, which many astrologers treat as the marriage chart
- The running dasa of both, and whether a hard period starts soon after the wedding
Many astrologers will tell you that a weak koota score with strong 7th houses in both charts is workable. Some will say the opposite. That is why the full reading is worth one visit.
Step 3, Take One Second Opinion
If the first pandit says no and the family still likes the proposal, one more opinion is fair. Use the same birth details. Ask the second astrologer to explain which rule he is using, not just to give a verdict.
Do not go from astrologer to astrologer until someone says yes. If three in a row say no for the same reason, the family has its answer.
Can Gunas Be Increased by Remedies?
No. The 36-point score is fixed by the two birth stars and signs, so no puja or stone changes the number. What remedies aim at is the dosha, in the family's belief.
Remedies families commonly choose:
| Problem | Remedy families often do |
|---|---|
| Nadi dosha | Mahamrityunjaya jaap, nadi dosha nivaran puja, charity |
| Bhakoot dosha | Puja for the rasi lords, charity on the lord's day |
| Manglik mismatch | Mangal shanti puja, kumbh vivah for a girl, ark vivah for a boy |
Our page on manglik dosha remedies explains the manglik ones. Ask the price before booking any puja. Do not pay large amounts to someone who says only his ritual will work.
When Families Go Ahead Anyway
Some families go ahead after a low score, especially when the boy and girl already know each other, or when everything else about the proposal is right.
Indian law does not ask for horoscope matching. The conditions for a valid Hindu marriage in section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 cover age, consent, an existing spouse and close relationship. Horoscopes are not on that list. Kundli milan is a family tradition, and whether to follow its result is the family's call.
If you go ahead, say so plainly to the other side. Something like "Our pandit found nadi dosha, we have done the puja and we are comfortable" is better than hiding it. They may have their own pandit look at it too.
How to Decline Politely
If you decide not to proceed, say so within a week or two. Leaving the other family waiting is worse than a clear no.
You do not need to blame anyone's chart. A short message is enough:
- "Thank you for sending the biodata. Our pandit did not find the horoscopes matching, so we will not take it forward. We wish your son all the best."
- "Jathagam porutham sari varalai endru jothidar sonnar. Ungal veettukku nalla edam amaiya vaazhthukkal."
Keep it the same message for every proposal you decline. Families talk to each other.
Marking It on Your Own Biodata
Some families save everyone time by saying on the biodata itself whether matching is needed. In our maker, add one line at the end of About Me, such as "Horoscope matching not required". Those who insist on kundli milan will know before they call.
Print the rasi, nakshatra and pada too, so the other side can run gun milan before they even phone you. A biodata with the horoscope filled in works these out from the birth date, time and place.
For the score bands themselves, see how many gun should match for marriage. If you are still deciding whether to match kundlis at all, read is kundli matching necessary.
Common questions
Should We Marry If the Kundli Does Not Match?
That is a family decision. Find out which kootas failed and whether a cancellation applies before deciding, because a low total alone tells you little.
Can Gunas Be Increased by Remedies?
No. The guna score depends only on the two birth stars and signs. Remedies are done for the dosha, in faith, and the number stays the same.
What If the Guna Score Is 0 or Very Low?
Very low scores are rare and usually mean several large kootas failed together. Most pandits will advise against such a match, but ask for the full chart reading before you decide.
Is a Full Horoscope Reading Better than Guna Milan?
A full reading looks at much more than guna milan, including the lagna, the 7th house and the navamsa. It needs exact birth times for both.
Kundli Match Nahi Hui to Kya Kare?
Pehle pandit ji se poochiye ki kaun se koot mein 0 aaya aur kya koi parihar (cancellation) lagta hai. Phir poori kundli dikhayiye, aur zaroorat ho to ek doosri raay lijiye.
Sources
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