Indian Astrology: Horoscope Matching

Horoscope Matching is one of the major methods used to evaluate the compatibility of the couple before marriage, in India.

The system of evaluation is point based. Maximum number of points are 36. These 36 points are divided over 8 separate aspects of married life. These 8 different aspects are:

1. Varna: Varna indicates ego development between the partners. Max points: 1
2. Vashya: Vashya indicates the intensity of mutual attraction and affection between the
   couple. Max points: 2
3. Tara/Din: Tara/Din indicates the health and well-being of the couple. Max points: 3
4. Yoni: Yoni indicates biological compatibility and satisfaction. Max points: 4
5. Graha Maitri: Graha Maitri indicates outlook, objective, intellectual level and spiritual plane of existence. Max points: 5
6. Gana: Gana indicates the temperamental characteristics. Max points: 6
7. Bhakut: Bhakut indicates growth of the family, family-welfare, etc. Max points: 7
8. Nadi: Nadi signifies the health(outward physique) and constitution(internal metabolism). Max points: 8
   

The analysis is done using a table like the one shown below. Each of the aspects is taken along a row. The form that particular aspect takes in the boy and the girl is give. This dictates the total points obtained for that particular aspect. The final column shows the maximum number of possible points in that particular aspect.

Usually a score of 18 or more points is considered a good match unless there is a specific conflict within a paticular aspect (especially in the 'Nadi' category). A score of 36 points is considered bad because according to legends Ram and Sita had a perfect match of 36 points and their marriage was not a happy one.

Another important piece of information looked for in the two horoscopes is the presence of a Mangal dosh. In other words if either the boy or a girl has a Mangal dosh then he or she is Manglick (has a heavy Mars in their horoscope). In such a situation usually the match is not considered to be good.

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