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How Vedic compatibility works
The Ashta Kuta system scores compatibility across eight dimensions, with a maximum of 36 points. It has been used for centuries and is documented in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Chapter 77.
What is Ashta Kuta matching?
Ashta means eight. Kuta means dimension or criterion. The system evaluates a pair across eight independent dimensions, each worth a different number of points. The maximum total is 36 Gunas.
The system is based primarily on the Moon — specifically the Moon sign and Moon Nakshatra of each person. This is why accurate birth time matters: the Moon changes Nakshatras roughly every day.
The eight dimensions
Varna
1/1 maxTemperament compatibility — how two people approach life’s challenges. Based on the spiritual orientation of each sign.
Vashya
2/2 maxMutual influence and willingness to cooperate. Assesses the natural dynamic between two Moon signs.
Tara
3/3 maxAuspiciousness based on the distance between birth Nakshatras. Computed from the Nakshatra cycle of 27.
Yoni
4/4 maxPhysical and instinctive compatibility. Each Nakshatra is assigned an animal symbol representing its primal nature.
Graha Maitri
5/5 maxFriendship between Moon sign lords. Measures how naturally the two ruling planets get along.
Gana
6/6 maxDisposition matching — Deva (gentle), Manushya (pragmatic), or Rakshasa (intense). Assesses lifestyle compatibility.
Bhakoot
7/7 maxThe relationship between Moon signs. Certain sign combinations carry specific harmonies or tensions.
Nadi
8/8 maxConstitutional compatibility — Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. The highest-weighted dimension, related to health harmony.
What the score means
Classical texts provide general guidance on score interpretation. Higher scores indicate more natural alignment across the eight dimensions. Lower scores indicate areas that may need more conscious attention.
28-36
Excellent
24-27
Very good
18-23
Good
Below 18
Needs deeper analysis
Classical compensation rules
The classical texts also describe compensation rules — conditions where a low score in one dimension can be offset by strength in another. These are not modern inventions; they come directly from the source texts.
For example, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra describes conditions where the Graha Maitri dimension can override certain Bhakoot concerns, and Muhurta Chintamani describes safety conditions for the Tara dimension. Naksh applies only the compensations documented in classical texts — nothing invented.
Privacy in compatibility matching
Compatibility matching requires data from two people, which raises privacy concerns. Naksh provides two sharing levels designed to minimize data exposure:
Level 1 — Quick match
Shares only two numbers: your Moon Nakshatra and Moon Rashi index. No birth date, no birth time, no location. Enough for basic compatibility scoring.
Level 2 — Full match
Birth data is encrypted with AES-256-GCM before it leaves your device. The encrypted payload is shared via a temporary code that expires after 48 hours.
Important context
The Ashta Kuta system is one of several compatibility tools in classical Vedic astrology. It focuses on the Moon dimension of two charts. A comprehensive compatibility assessment would also consider planetary placements in both charts, house lord exchanges, and current Dasha periods.
Compatibility scores describe natural alignment, not destiny. They identify areas of harmony and areas that may need more attention. Every relationship involves far more than any chart system can measure.
Check your compatibility
Naksh uses the classical 36-point Ashta Kuta system with privacy-first sharing. See your individual rhythm profile and match with a partner — no account required.