Horoscope Details in Biodata: Rashi, Nakshatra, Gotra & Manglik Explained
Updated · 7 min read
For many Indian families, the horoscope section is the first thing they read – it is used for kundali (guna) matching before a meeting is even arranged. Getting these details right avoids confusion later.
Here is what each term means, why it is asked and how to find yours.
Birth date, birth time and birth place
These three are the foundation of any kundali. An astrologer uses them to calculate everything else, so they must be accurate.
- Birth time: write it exactly as in your birth certificate or janma patrika, with AM/PM – e.g. “6:40 AM”.
- Birth place: the city or town of birth, not where you live now.
- If you only know an approximate time, write “approx.” – it is better than a wrong exact time.
Rashi (moon sign)
Your rashi is the zodiac sign in which the Moon was placed at the time of your birth. Indian astrology uses the moon sign, so it is often different from your “sun sign” in western horoscopes.
The 12 rashis are Mesha, Vrishabha, Mithuna, Karka, Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrischika, Dhanu, Makara, Kumbha and Meena.
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Nakshatra and charan
A nakshatra is one of 27 lunar constellations (Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini…). Each nakshatra is divided into four parts called charan or pada. Many families write it as “Rohini, charan 2”.
Nakshatra is used to calculate several of the 36 gunas in kundali matching, so include it if you know it.
Gotra
Gotra denotes paternal lineage from an ancient rishi – for example Kashyap, Bharadwaj or Vashishtha. Many communities avoid marriage within the same gotra, which is why it appears early in a biodata. A woman usually lists her father’s gotra.
Manglik (Mangal dosh)
A person is called manglik when Mars (Mangal) is in certain houses of their birth chart. Families who follow astrology prefer to match a manglik with a manglik. Write “Yes”, “No”, “Anshik (partial)” or “Don’t know” – honesty here prevents disappointment later.
Gan, nadi and guna milan
Kundali matching (Ashtakoot milan) scores a couple out of 36 gunas. Gan (Dev, Manushya, Rakshas) and Nadi (Aadi, Madhya, Antya) are two of the eight factors and are sometimes written in the biodata so families can do a quick check.
| Factor | Points | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 1 | Spiritual compatibility |
| Vashya | 2 | Mutual attraction |
| Tara | 3 | Health and well-being |
| Yoni | 4 | Physical compatibility |
| Graha Maitri | 5 | Mental compatibility |
| Gan | 6 | Temperament |
| Bhakoot | 7 | Family welfare |
| Nadi | 8 | Health of progeny |
Devak and kul daivat (Maharashtrian biodata)
In Marathi biodatas you will often see devak – a family emblem (a tree, plant or object) worshipped at weddings – and kul daivat, the family deity such as Khandoba or Tulja Bhavani. Families with the same devak traditionally do not marry, so it is listed alongside gotra. In our Marathi biodata maker, add them with Add field (देवक, कुलदैवत) – the same works for Manglik in any language.
Don’t know your horoscope details?
- Ask your parents for your janma patrika / kundali – it lists rashi, nakshatra, gan and nadi.
- Use your birth date, time and place in any reputable panchang or kundali calculator.
- If your family does not follow astrology, simply leave the section out – it is not compulsory. You can delete any field in the biodata maker.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to add horoscope details to a biodata?
No. It depends on the families involved. If either family uses kundali matching, include birth time, birth place, rashi, nakshatra, gotra and manglik status. Otherwise you can leave the section out.
Should I attach my kundali image to the biodata?
It is usually not needed. The key details on the biodata are enough for an astrologer, and a separate kundali can be shared on request.