Kundli is an Indian (vedic) astrological chart. It plots the positions of 9 planets across a number of houses (representing the solar system) in a graphical representation. The position of the planets is based on the exact time of one's birth.

It is widely believed, and accepted, in Indian culture that from these astrological charts the characteristics and traits of a person can be identified and their fate predicted. For more details   For this reason kundli charts are well used to determine whether a couple will be suitable in marriage - a process labelled 'kundli matching'. Before a marriage proposal is made kundli matching is performed to identify whether the marriage will be a good fit.

Significance of kundli charts and consequence of being manglik

From the charts a number of factors can be identified such as wealth, education, successfulness, and even children. However it can also be used to find out negative traits.

The most infamous trait is the Manglik Dosha. This condition occurs as a result of the planet Mars falling in either the 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th houses on the Kundli chart. Being based on Mars, the planet of fire and heat, it is said that manglik people can cause a lot of tension, rage, argument, and violence by nature. A marriage between manglik and non-manglik is said to be destined for hard times and ultimately the possible death of the spouse.

A celebrity example of kundli matching and belief is the marriage of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan. It was determined that Aishwarya was manglik and for this reason their kundli charts did not fit well. However to satisfy both their love and the jyoshi's (astrologers) a marriage ceremony was performed between Aishwarya and a tree. It was said that the tree would absorb Aishwarya's manglik fire, a sacrifice if you will.

Can manglik marry non-manglik?

Yes of course! This can be done by manglik wearing coral, for example, that absorbs aggression from the manglik. For more details Indian rituals and ceremonies can be performed to bless couple and reduce effects of manglik dosha (for example, Aishwarya & Abhishek). And in other cases other kundli charts can neutralise the effects of manglik so it works OK.

Kundli matching: interpretation

BE AWARE: a kundli chart should be accurate and consistent from all sources as long as the exact time and place of birth is identified, minor variances can have a big impact on what the kundli says! A number of free Kundli charts services are now offered online for the curious.

The challenge of Kundli matching is of course interpretation - the reading of the chart to come up with predictions about the person and compatibility of them in marriage with others. In general jyoshi's (vedic astrologers) can be used to provide an accurate interpretation, though it is sometimes very problematic that different ones can tell you quite different things! Online matrimonial sites are now providing free kundli charts and even perform automated kundli matching and match-making!

These features and advances just highlight the strong beliefs and trust placed on kundli and vedic astrology in Indian culture!