In this article, I’ll go into more detail about the system, as I couldn’t find any comprehensive guide online that explains all eight criteria in depth. My goal is to provide all the essential information about Ashtakoot chart matching in one place, so you don’t have to look elsewhere.

I’ll try to be as thorough as possible, but we all know that astrology is an ever-evolving field. There will always be some unanswered questions that require further research. I also welcome input from readers who have additional knowledge about Ashtakoot, which could help make this explanation even more complete. Often, people just check if the numbers are good or bad, without understanding why or how those numbers are calculated. My aim here is to explain both the “why” and “how” behind this system, rather than just the “what.”

The Ashtakoot system has 8 categories that total 36 points, and it’s traditionally used to evaluate marriage compatibility. Here’s a breakdown of what each category represents:

1. Varna – Caste Matching in Ashtakoot

Varna refers to caste and represents the spiritual development of the partners. It is worth 1 point out of 36 in the Ashtakoot system. There are various ways to determine Varna, but Ashtakoot uses the Moon sign to do this.

Moon signs are grouped into castes like this:

• Brahmins (Priests): Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces (Water signs)
• Kshatriyas (Warriors): Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (Fire signs)
• Vaishyas (Merchants): Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn (Earth signs)
• Shudras (Laborers): Gemini, Libra, Aquarius (Air signs)

The rule for Varna matching is simple: the groom’s Varna must be equal to or higher than the bride’s. If this condition is met, the match earns 1 point; otherwise, it gets 0 points. The idea is that traditionally, the groom is seen as responsible for guiding the family’s spiritual growth.

2. Vasya – Influence in Compatibility

The Vasya factor represents the degree of influence or control one partner has over the other and is worth 2 points out of 36 in the Ashtakoot system. The word “Vasya” comes from “Vash,” meaning control or influence. It helps determine who holds more sway in the relationship.

The zodiac signs are divided into five groups:

• Manava (Human): Gemini, Virgo, Libra, first 15° of Sagittarius, Aquarius
• Vanachara (Wild Animals): Leo
• Chatushpada (Quadrupeds): Aries, Taurus, second 15° of Sagittarius, first 15° of Capricorn
• Jalachara (Aquatic Creatures): Cancer, Pisces, second 15° of Capricorn
• Keeta (Insects): Scorpio

There are four main rules to the Vasya test:

1. Chatushpada, Manava, and Jalachara groups are influenced by the Vanachara group (Leo). In simple terms, the lion dominates quadrupeds, humans, and aquatic creatures.
2. Chatushpada, Jalachara, and Keeta groups are influenced by the Manava group. Humans can control quadrupeds, insects, and water creatures.
3. Jalachara signs are submissive to the Manava signs, symbolizing humans dominating water creatures.
4. Chatushpada signs are dominated by the Vanachara sign, with the lion having control over quadrupeds.

Points Allocation and Interpretation:

• If both partners belong to the same group (e.g., both are Chatushpada), the Vasya is considered strong, and they receive 2 points. This signifies mutual influence, where both can assert themselves and have a healthy balance in the relationship.
• If one person’s group is Vasya to the other (e.g., the bride is Chatushpada and the groom is Manava), the couple receives 1 point. In this case, one partner (groom) will have more influence over the other, indicating a one-sided influence.
• If one person’s group is considered “food” to the other (e.g., the bride is Jalachara and the groom is Manava), the couple earns ½ point. Here, one partner is completely submissive, leading to a highly imbalanced relationship.
• If neither partner is Vasya to the other, 0 points are awarded, meaning neither can effectively influence or guide the other, leading to a lack of cooperation and harmony.

In modern terms, influence or control in a relationship can be better understood as mutual respect and the ability to listen to each other.

3. Tara – Nakshatra-Based Compatibility

The Tara factor evaluates the distance between the Moon’s position in the Nakshatras of both partners, and it contributes 3 points out of 36 in the Ashtakoot system. The 27 Nakshatras are divided into nine groups, alternating between auspicious and inauspicious categories based on the remainder derived from a specific calculation. These groups are associated with the following outcomes:

• Janma Tara: Longevity of the couple – Inauspicious – Remainder 1
• Sampath Tara: Wealth and prosperity – Auspicious – Remainder 2
• Vipat Tara: Accidents and difficulties – Inauspicious – Remainder 3
• Kshema Tara: Prosperity – Auspicious – Remainder 4
• Prathiyak Tara: Obstacles – Inauspicious – Remainder 5
• Sarthaka Tara: Favorable outcomes – Auspicious – Remainder 6
• Vadhai Tara: Suffering and hardships – Inauspicious – Remainder 7
• Maithra Tara: Friendly relationships – Auspicious – Remainder 8
• Parama Maithra Tara: Very friendly – Auspicious – Remainder 9

Calculation Method:

To calculate the Tara score, you begin by counting the Nakshatras from the bride’s Nakshatra to the groom’s (both included), and then dividing the total by 9. The same is done from the groom’s Nakshatra to the bride’s.

• If both calculations result in even remainders (2, 4, 6, 8, or 0), the match is considered auspicious, and the couple earns the full 3 points.
• If only one remainder is even, the match is moderately favorable, and 1.5 points are given.
• If both remainders are odd (1, 3, 5, 7), no points are awarded, indicating incompatibility.

This method helps explain why 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Tara groups are deemed inauspicious, while the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th are considered auspicious based on the odd/even logic.

Examples:

1. Example 1:

   • Boy’s Nakshatra: Anuradha
   • Girl’s Nakshatra: Rohini
   • Counting from the girl’s Nakshatra to the boy’s, we get 14. Dividing 14 by 9 gives a remainder of 5, which is inauspicious. The Tara score from the girl’s side is 0.

2. Example 2:

   • Boy’s Nakshatra: Jyeshta
   • Girl’s Nakshatra: Poorvaphalguni
   • Counting from the girl’s Nakshatra gives 8, and since this number is less than 9, it is taken as is. The remainder is 8, which is auspicious, earning 1.5 points. However, counting from the boy’s Nakshatra results in a remainder of 3, which is inauspicious, earning 0 points. The overall score is 1.5 points.

3. Example 3:

   • Boy’s Nakshatra: Chitra
   • Girl’s Nakshatra: Ashwini
   • Counting from Ashwini to Chitra yields 14, and dividing by 9 leaves a remainder of 5, which is inauspicious.

4. Example 4:

   • Boy’s Nakshatra: Shravana
   • Girl’s Nakshatra: Ashwini
   • Counting from the boy’s Nakshatra to the girl’s gives 22. Dividing by 9 results in a remainder of 4, which is auspicious. We then need to calculate the reverse for a complete evaluation.

This method provides a systematic approach to understanding the compatibility of a couple based on the distance between their Nakshatras and the significance of the remainders.

Other factors that are sometimes considered, but not always, include:

• Mahendra: Promotes attachment and longevity.
• Stree-Dergha: Relates to a wife’s service to her husband.
• Rajju: Indicates the happiness and duration of married life.
• Vedha-Varga: Represents mutual resistance or enmity between partners.
• Varga: Considers mutual friendship or enmity based on the partners’ names.
• Yujja: Reflects the type of love between partners—whether it’s one-sided or mutual.

This is an overview of the Ashtakoot system and how it’s used to assess compatibility for marriage. By understanding the factors in detail, you can gain insight into how this system works and why certain matches are considered more favorable than others.