Except human being millions of species follow universal laws and cycles as fixed for them by nature. In these matters, the nature has given free will as well as power of discrimination to humans only. According to “Dharma Shastra” the goal of human life is not only to build a strong value and social and moral fabric on which foundation of the society is laid, but to ultimately achieve salvation. The institution of marriage plays vital role for achieving this ultimate goal.

In our country, marriage means a relationship which will last till eternity. It confers equality on both the partners in matters of Dharma (right conduct), Artha (financial position), Karma (sex reaction) and Moksha (liberation). The wife therefore is called a minister, a friend and a servant ever since ancient times. She is the goddess of the house encouraging her husband to earn wealth, name and fame. She stands by him in all aspects of life.

There is an old proverb, “Marriages are made in Heaven”. This means a marriage has divine approval and blessings. But still one needs to look for the right mate. Male and female are two manifestation of nature. Hence it is natural for them to be united otherwise there would be incompleteness.

The sexual aspect is an important element in the life of an individual, and it has a significant bearing on one’s psychological and emotional development. It has been planted so deeply in human nature that no normal person can escape its influence.

Anxiety in regards to marriage is naturally greater as the selection is made by only once in a life time. Life itself can become heaven or hell depending upon the state, of one’s married life. Marriage is not based on any sentiment, but has religious, moral, social and scientific basis. Marriage is not an invitation for brute sense-gratification. Nor it is a civil agreement that affects only the partners. It is in fact the basis of family, therefore its dissolution as well as formation is a matter of social interest.

Eight types of marriages have been mentioned in “Manusmriti”. These are: Daiva, Brahma, Arisha, Prajapatiya, Asura, Gandharva, Rakshasa and Pisacha. The marriage that takes place in the normal course is called Prajapatiya.

The role of astrology in finding out a suitable boy or girl for a happy marriage is quite important. The responsibility of the astrologer in this regard is greater and more taxing than that of parents and other relatives. Compatibility plays key role in maintaining the stability in married life. The planetary combinations are inevitably essential for marriage compatibility.

Important factors for compatibility

• Yogas for mutual harmony.
• Yogas for good health and financial position.
• The longevity of the bride and bridegroom.
• Yogas for mutual fidelity and good character.
• Yogas for good psychological health.
• Yogas for healthy progeny in the horoscopes of couple.
• Mangal dosas balance in both the charts which may disrupt the marriage.
• 36 gunas based on 8 factors related to the Nakshatras and Moon sign of the couple. Higher the score out of 36 is considered as for better mutual harmony and stable married life by most astrologers.
• Potential and commitment to live a happy married life in both the charts.