The Ashtakoota system compares two Moon placements — sign and nakshatra — across eight kootas. Each koota has a maximum score, and the eight maxima add up to 36. Scores of 18 and above are conventionally considered acceptable, but the total hides more than it shows.
The eight, from lightest to heaviest
- Varna (1): temperament class of the Moon sign — a coarse check on outlook.
- Vashya (2): mutual influence between the two Moon signs' groups.
- Tara (3): the count between the two birth nakshatras, read in both directions.
- Yoni (4): instinctive compatibility, from the animal symbol of each nakshatra.
- Graha Maitri (5): friendship between the lords of the two Moon signs.
- Gana (6): the deva / manushya / rakshasa grouping of the nakshatras.
- Bhakoot (7): the sign-to-sign distance between the two Moons.
- Nadi (8): the nadi (adi, madhya, antya) of each nakshatra — the heaviest single item.
The two that can veto
Bhakoot and Nadi are scored all-or-nothing, and together they are 15 of the 36 points. A pair can score full marks on six kootas and still land at 21 with a Nadi dosha. Traditional texts also list exceptions: same-rashi or same-nakshatra pairs, and Bhakoot cancelled when the two sign lords are the same planet or friends. Jyotish Drishti applies the conventional exceptions and shows a flag whenever one fires, so you can see the reasoning rather than just the number.
Manglik is a separate check
Mars in houses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 or 12 from the Lagna, the Moon or Venus is the usual Manglik (Kuja dosha) test. It is not part of the 36 points. Matching two Manglik charts is traditionally considered to balance the dosha; the report states both statuses plainly and lists which reference points were used.