Graha Maitri: Planetary Friendship in Kundali Matching
What Is Graha Maitri?
Graha Maitri, meaning "planetary friendship," is one of the eight kuta factors in Ashtakoota kundali matching. It examines the relationship between the ruling planets (lords) of the bride's and groom's Moon signs — whether those two planets are natural friends, neutral, or enemies in classical Vedic astrology's planetary relationship system. It carries up to 5 of the 36 total points in a complete match, the second-highest weight after Gana.
How Planetary Friendship Works
In Vedic astrology, each of the nine grahas (planets) has defined relationships with the others — friend, neutral, or enemy — based on classical texts, not personal interpretation. Graha Maitri looks at the planet ruling the groom's Moon sign and the planet ruling the bride's Moon sign, and checks where that pair falls:
- Same planet ruling both signs: full points, the strongest compatibility.
- Mutual friends: high points, generally favorable.
- One friend, one neutral (or vice versa): partial points.
- Mutual enemies: minimal or zero points, traditionally considered the most challenging pairing.
What a Low Graha Maitri Score Actually Means
A low score here is often interpreted as friction in mutual understanding, communication style, or shared values between partners — but like every other kuta factor, it's one input among eight, not a standalone verdict. It's frequently discussed alongside Gana matching, since both relate to temperamental compatibility rather than the more concrete factors like Bhakoot (health/finances) or Nadi (health of offspring).
Graha Maitri and the Other Compatibility Factors
Graha Maitri doesn't exist in isolation — a complete kundali match considers it alongside Gana matching, Bhakoot Dosha, Yoni matching, and four other factors. A weak Graha Maitri score paired with strong results elsewhere is generally treated very differently than a weak score across multiple factors — the full picture matters more than any single number.
Related Kundali Matching Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Graha Maitri in kundali matching?
Graha Maitri examines the planetary friendship between the ruling planets of the bride's and groom's Moon signs, carrying up to 5 of the 36 total points in a complete Ashtakoota match.
What does a low Graha Maitri score mean?
It's traditionally associated with friction in mutual understanding or communication style, but is one of eight compatibility factors and should be read alongside the others, not in isolation.
Is Graha Maitri the same as Gana matching?
No — they're related (both relate to temperamental compatibility) but distinct factors. Gana looks at nakshatra classification; Graha Maitri looks at planetary rulership relationships.