How to Do Kundli Matching (Gun Milan) in Jagannatha Hora: Complete Compatibility Guide

Don’t rely on basic online scores. Learn how to perform detailed Kundli Matching (Gun Milan), check dosha cancellations, analyze Dasha Sandhi, and understand why your scores differ, all using Jagannatha Hora software.

Why Online Calculators Only Tell Half the Story

When parents receive a marriage proposal, the first question is always: “Kitne gun mil rahe hain?” (How many gunas are matching?)

They rush to an online calculator, enter birth details, and get a number—say, “24 out of 36.” If it crosses 18, they proceed. If not, they reject the match.

But here is what 90% of people do not understand: A score of 28/36 can hide fatal flaws, while a score of 18/36 might be perfectly acceptable with the right exceptions applied.

Online calculators give you a number. Jagannatha Hora gives you the complete picture—Nadi exceptions, Bhakoot cancellations, Dasha timing analysis, and factors that even some professional astrologers overlook.

Most people think JHora is only for analyzing individual birth charts. They do not realize it has a powerful Compatibility Mode built in that can perform professional-grade kundli matching.

In this guide, I will walk you through the exact steps to use JHora’s hidden matching features and teach you the 5 critical checks that go far beyond the basic Ashtakoot score.

Step 1: The Two-Chart Workflow in JHora

Jagannatha Hora can hold multiple charts in memory simultaneously. However, you need to know how to load and switch between them properly.

Here is the workflow:

1. Open Jagannatha Hora and enter the Boy’s Birth Data (date, time, and place of birth).
2. Save this chart using Ctrl+S or File > Save. Give it a recognizable name like “Boy_Rahul.jhd” so you do not lose it.
3. Now go to File > New Chart or simply enter new birth data. Enter the Girl’s Birth Data and click OK.
4. At this point, you might wonder: Did the Boy’s chart disappear?No. JHora maintains tabs for all open charts. Look at the very top of the window, above the main toolbar. You will see multiple tabs labeled “Chart 1,” “Chart 2,” or the names you saved them as.
5. You can click between these tabs to switch charts instantly.

Important: Always save both charts before proceeding. If JHora crashes or you accidentally close a tab, you will not lose your data.

Step 2: Activating the Compatibility View

This is the step that most users miss completely. JHora does not show compatibility options on the main screen—you need to know where to look.

Follow these steps:

1. Make sure the Boy’s Chart is selected as the active chart (click his tab at the top).
2. Look at the main viewing area where the chart is displayed. You will see multiple tabs like “Basics,” “Dasas,” “Vargas,” etc.
3. Find and click the “Compatibility” tab.Note: If you do not see a Compatibility tab, go to Preferences > Display > Select Tab Set and choose “Full” to enable all available tabs.
4. Inside the Compatibility section, you will see a dropdown menu labeled “Compare with:”
5. Select the Girl’s Chart from that dropdown list.

The moment you select the second chart, JHora instantly calculates the complete Ashtakoot Guna Milan (36-point system).

You will see a detailed breakdown table showing scores for all 8 categories, total points, and any doshas flagged.

Step 3: Understanding the Ashtakoot Score

The Ashtakoot system evaluates 8 different aspects of compatibility between the bride and groom. Each aspect carries different weightage, totaling 36 points.

The 8 Categories Explained

Score Interpretation Guide

Critical Understanding: The total score matters, but the individual category scores matter more. A match with 24 total points but full scores in Nadi (8/8) and Bhakoot (7/7) is often better than a match with 28 points that has Nadi Dosha (0/8).

Step 4: The 5 Deep Dosha Checks

This is where JHora becomes invaluable. Online calculators simply flag doshas as “present” or “absent.” JHora lets you dig deeper and check if cancellation rules apply.

4.1 Nadi Dosha and Its Cancellation Rules

What is Nadi?

Nadi represents the energy flow (Pranic energy) in a person. The 27 Nakshatras are divided into three Nadis:

• Aadi (Vata): Ashwini, Ardra, Punarvasu, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Jyeshtha, Moola, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada
• Madhya (Pitta): Bharani, Mrigashira, Pushya, Purva Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Purva Ashadha, Dhanishta, Uttara Bhadrapada
• Antya (Kapha): Krittika, Rohini, Ashlesha, Magha, Swati, Vishakha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Revati

When Nadi Dosha occurs: If both partners have the same Nadi (both Aadi, both Madhya, or both Antya), they score 0/8 points and Nadi Dosha is flagged.

Effects attributed to Nadi Dosha: Health problems after marriage, difficulty conceiving, weak children, lack of mutual attraction.

However—and this is crucial—Nadi Dosha has multiple cancellation rules:

Nadi Dosha Cancellation Rules

How to check in JHora:

1. Go to the “Basics” tab for each chart
2. Note the Moon’s Nakshatra and Pada (quarter) for both partners
3. Note the Moon’s Rashi (sign) for both partners
4. Cross-reference against the cancellation rules above

Example: If the Boy has Moon in Rohini Nakshatra (Taurus) and the Girl has Moon in Ashlesha Nakshatra (Cancer), both have Antya Nadi. But because they have different Rashis AND different Nakshatras, the Nadi Dosha stands cancelled.

4.2 Bhakoot Dosha Explained

Bhakoot (also called Rashikoot) measures compatibility based on the relative positions of the Moon signs of both partners. It carries 7 points—the second highest after Nadi.

When Bhakoot Dosha occurs: If the Moon signs are positioned 2/12, 5/9, or 6/8 from each other, Bhakoot scores 0/7 and dosha is flagged.

Three Types of Bhakoot Dosha

Bhakoot Dosha Cancellation Rules

How to verify in JHora: Check the Moon sign for both partners and identify the Rashi lords. If the lords are the same planet or naturally friendly planets (Jupiter-Moon, Venus-Mercury, etc.), the dosha impact is reduced.

4.3 Gana Dosha: Temperament Matching

Gana represents the fundamental temperament or nature of a person based on their birth Nakshatra.

The Three Ganas:

• Deva (Divine): Gentle, spiritual, accommodating. Nakshatras: Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati.
• Manushya (Human): Balanced, practical, worldly. Nakshatras: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada.
• Rakshasa (Demon): Intense, independent, strong-willed. Nakshatras: Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha.

Compatibility Matrix:

Important: Deva-Rakshasa combination is not automatically fatal. If the Rashi lords are friendly and Graha Maitri is strong, the couple can manage their temperament differences.

4.4 Mangal Dosha (Manglik Check)

Mangal Dosha is evaluated separately from the Ashtakoot system. It is based on Mars placement in specific houses of the birth chart.

When a person is Manglik: Mars is placed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house from Lagna (Ascendant), Moon, or Venus.

How to check in JHora:

1. Go to the “Basics” tab
2. Look at the Rashi chart (D1)
3. Identify which house Mars occupies
4. Check from Lagna, Moon, and Venus

The Double Manglik Rule: If BOTH partners are Manglik, the doshas cancel each other out. This is widely accepted as a valid match.

Exceptions where Mars is NOT considered Manglik:

• Mars in own sign (Aries, Scorpio) in these houses
• Mars in exaltation (Capricorn)
• Mars aspected by benefics (Jupiter, Venus)
• Mars in certain Nakshatras that reduce its malefic nature

JHora Advantage: JHora shows you the exact degree and Nakshatra of Mars, allowing you to apply these nuanced rules rather than just getting a “Manglik: Yes/No” result.

4.5 Yoni Dosha: Physical Compatibility

Yoni represents sexual and physical compatibility based on animal symbolism assigned to each Nakshatra.

The 14 Yoni Categories:

Horse, Elephant, Sheep, Serpent, Dog, Cat, Rat, Cow, Buffalo, Tiger, Deer, Monkey, Lion, Mongoose

Compatibility follows natural relationships:

• Same Yoni: Full 4/4 points (best match)
• Friendly animals: 3/4 points
• Neutral animals: 2/4 points
• Enemy animals: 0-1/4 points

Natural Enemies:

• Horse vs Buffalo
• Elephant vs Lion
• Sheep vs Monkey
• Serpent vs Mongoose
• Dog vs Deer
• Cat vs Rat
• Cow vs Tiger

Practical Reality: Yoni Dosha carries only 4 points and is rarely a deal-breaker on its own. If total Ashtakoot score is above 25 and other major factors are fine, low Yoni score is usually acceptable.

Step 5: The Dasha Sandhi Check

This is the analysis that separates amateur matching from professional astrology. Almost no online calculator performs this check.

What is Dasha Sandhi?

Dasha Sandhi is the transitional period when one Mahadasha (major planetary period) ends and another begins. This “gear shift” time creates instability as the person’s life themes change fundamentally.

Why it matters for marriage:

Getting married during Dasha Sandhi is like starting a new job during a personal crisis. The couple needs stability to build their foundation, but one or both partners are going through internal upheaval.

The 10% Rule:

The Sandhi period includes:

• Last 10% of the ending Mahadasha
• First 10% of the beginning Mahadasha

Example Calculation:

If Venus Mahadasha lasts 20 years:

• Last 10% = Final 2 years of Venus Dasha
• If next is Sun Mahadasha (6 years), first 10% = First 7-8 months of Sun Dasha
• Total Sandhi zone: Approximately 2.5-3 years

How to check in JHora:

1. Go to the “Dasas” tab for the Boy’s chart
2. Select Vimshottari Dasha from the dropdown
3. Note the current Mahadasha and its exact end date
4. Calculate when the Sandhi period begins (10% before end)
5. Repeat for the Girl’s chart
6. Compare with the proposed wedding date

Red Flags:

• Both partners in Dasha Sandhi simultaneously at wedding time
• Both running Mahadasha of 6th, 8th, or 12th house lords
• Major Dasha change within 6 months after wedding

Particularly Difficult Sandhi Combinations:

Recommendation: If Dasha Sandhi is present, either wait for the transition to complete or ensure the wedding date falls during a supportive Antardasha (sub-period) of a benefic planet.

Step 6: Why JHora Shows Different Scores Than Online Sites

This is one of the most common questions: “AstroSage gave us 28 points, but JHora shows 24. Which one is correct?”

The answer lies in Ayanamsa settings.

What is Ayanamsa?

Ayanamsa is the angular difference between the Tropical zodiac (used in Western astrology) and the Sidereal zodiac (used in Vedic astrology). Different schools use different Ayanamsa values.

Common Ayanamsa Systems:

How Ayanamsa affects matching:

Even a 0.5° difference in Ayanamsa can shift the Moon’s position from one Nakshatra Pada to another. Since the entire Ashtakoot system is based on Moon’s Nakshatra, this small shift can change multiple scores.

How to change Ayanamsa in JHora:

1. Go to Preferences menu
2. Select Calculation Settings or Related to Calculations
3. Find Ayanamsa option
4. Select your preferred Ayanamsa (choose Lahiri/Chitrapaksha to match most online calculators)
5. Recalculate the charts

My Recommendation: If you are comparing with a family astrologer or other reports, first ask which Ayanamsa they use. Then set JHora to the same Ayanamsa for consistent results.

North vs South Indian Matching Methods

India has two primary systems for kundli matching, and knowing the difference is important.

Ashtakoota (North Indian)

• 8 factors evaluated
• Maximum 36 points
• Minimum 18 points required
• Emphasizes Nadi (8 points) and Bhakoot (7 points)
• Used in North India, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and most online calculators

Dashakoota (South Indian / Porutham)

• 10 factors evaluated
• Maximum 36 points
• Different weightage distribution
• Additional factors checked

Extra factors in Dashakoota:

Does JHora support Dashakoota?

JHora’s Compatibility section primarily shows Ashtakoota matching. For complete Dashakoota analysis, you may need to manually check the additional factors or use region-specific software.

Which method to use?

Follow the tradition of your family and community. If you are North Indian, Ashtakoota is standard. If South Indian, ensure Dashakoota factors (especially Rajju) are also checked.

5-Point Kundli Verification Checklist

Before finalizing any marriage decision based on kundli matching, verify these five critical factors:

☐ 1. Ashtakoot Score Check

• Total score is 18 or above
• Nadi score is NOT 0/8 (or cancellation rules apply)
• Bhakoot score is NOT 0/7 (or cancellation rules apply)
• No more than 2 major doshas present

☐ 2. Dosha Cancellation Verification

• If Nadi Dosha present: Check same Nakshatra/different Pada rule
• If Nadi Dosha present: Check same Rashi/different Nakshatra rule
• If Bhakoot Dosha present: Check if Rashi lords are same or friendly
• If Gana Dosha present: Check Graha Maitri and Rashi lord friendship

☐ 3. Mangal Dosha Balance

• Both charts checked for Manglik status from Lagna, Moon, and Venus
• If one is Manglik: Check if the other is also Manglik (cancellation)
• If only one is Manglik: Check for exceptions (own sign, exaltation, benefic aspect)

☐ 4. Dasha Timing Analysis

• Current Mahadasha noted for both partners
• Dasha Sandhi period calculated (10% rule)
• Wedding date does not fall in both partners’ Sandhi period
• Neither partner running 6th/8th/12th lord Dasha at wedding time

☐ 5. Ayanamsa Consistency

• Same Ayanamsa used across all matching reports
• If scores differ between sources, Ayanamsa mismatch is the likely cause
• Final decision based on consistent calculation method

Print this checklist and fill it out for every match you evaluate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we marry if only 18 gunas match?

Yes, 18 gunas is the traditional minimum threshold accepted across most communities. The critical questions to ask are:

1. Which specific gunas are matching? High scores in Nadi (8/8) and Bhakoot (7/7) with a total of 18 is better than scattered low scores totaling 22.
2. Are any Maha Doshas present? Specifically check Nadi Dosha and Bhakoot Dosha.
3. Do cancellation rules apply to any doshas?
4. Is the Dasha timing favorable for both partners?

A match with 18 gunas but zero major doshas is often stronger than 24 gunas with Nadi Dosha.

Why does JHora show a different score than AstroSage or AstroYogi?

This is almost always due to different Ayanamsa settings. Most online calculators use Lahiri Ayanamsa by default, while JHora defaults to Pushya-Paksha.

To match online calculators: Go to JHora’s Preferences → Calculation Settings → Ayanamsa → Select “Lahiri/Chitrapaksha”

Recalculate both charts after changing this setting.

What if Nadi Dosha shows but everything else is perfect (30+ gunas)?

First, check the cancellation rules. When a couple scores 30+, the Nadi Dosha is very likely to get cancelled because:

• They probably have different Nakshatras within the same Nadi
• Or they have the same Nakshatra but different Padas
• Or their Rashi lords are benefic planets

If after checking all cancellation rules the dosha still stands, consult an experienced astrologer. Remedial measures like specific pujas, donating to charity, or wearing prescribed gemstones may be recommended.

Can a Manglik marry a non-Manglik?

Traditional advice says no, but modern astrological understanding offers nuances:

1. If Mars is in own sign (Aries, Scorpio) or exaltation (Capricorn), the Manglik effects are reduced
2. If Mars is in the 2nd house, many astrologers consider it non-Manglik
3. If Mars is aspected by Jupiter, the malefic effects are neutralized
4. After age 28, Mangal Dosha effects are believed to diminish

If you are set on the match, consult multiple astrologers and consider performing Mangal Dosha nivaran puja before marriage.

Is 0/8 Nadi Dosha always bad?

No. The score of 0/8 simply indicates same Nadi—it triggers the need for further investigation, not automatic rejection.

Check each cancellation rule systematically. In my experience, about 60-70% of Nadi Dosha cases get cancelled when you properly apply the exception rules.

What score guarantees a happy marriage?

No score guarantees happiness. Lord Rama and Mata Sita are said to have had a perfect 36/36 match, yet they faced separation and immense hardship.

Kundli matching identifies compatibility potential and flags possible challenges. It does not predict whether two people will work on their relationship, communicate effectively, or support each other through difficulties.

Use the matching score as one input among many: family compatibility, personal values, financial stability, and emotional connection all matter equally.

How accurate is online kundli matching?

Online matching is mathematically accurate for what it calculates. The limitation is that most online tools:

1. Do not check dosha cancellation rules
2. Do not analyze Dasha timing
3. Cannot assess chart strength (planetary dignity, aspects)
4. Use only Ashtakoot method regardless of regional traditions
5. Give pass/fail verdicts without nuance

For a preliminary check, online calculators are fine. For a final decision, either learn to use professional software like JHora or consult a knowledgeable astrologer.

Conclusion

Kundli matching is not about finding a “perfect” score. It is about understanding compatibility across multiple dimensions and identifying potential challenges before marriage.

The key takeaways from this guide:

1. JHora’s Compatibility Mode gives you professional-grade analysis that online calculators cannot match.
2. Dosha cancellation rules are as important as the doshas themselves. A flagged Nadi Dosha may be completely neutralized under specific conditions.
3. Dasha Sandhi timing is a critical factor that almost no one checks. Avoid major life decisions during planetary transition periods.
4. Ayanamsa settings explain why different sources give different scores. Ensure consistency before comparing reports.
5. No score guarantees success. A good match provides a favorable foundation; the couple must still build the relationship through effort, communication, and commitment.

Use the 5-Point Verification Checklist for every match you evaluate. Take the time to learn JHora’s features, the software is free, comprehensive, and more powerful than any paid online service.

Have you checked your compatibility in JHora? Did the dosha cancellation rules change your perspective? Share your experience in the comments below.

Related Reading:

• How to Install Jagannatha Hora on Mac
• Jagannatha Hora Settings Guide: Recommended Configuration
• Marriage Timing Through Vimshottari Dasha
• Understanding Mangal Dosha: Complete Guide
• JHora Font Fix: Solving Display Issues

Last updated: December 2025