What is the very essence that binds two souls in the sacred bond of marriage, and what promises form the bedrock of a lifelong partnership? The seven sacred vows of Hindu marriage, the Saat Pheras, are not merely rituals; they are the very foundation upon which a harmonious and fulfilling union is built, each step a testament to commitment, love, and unity.
The Hindu wedding ceremony, a vibrant tapestry woven with ancient traditions and profound symbolism, culminates in the Saat Pheras. These seven circumambulations around the sacred fire, Agni, are the most significant rite in a Hindu wedding, signifying the promises made by the bride and groom. Known as the Saptapadi, or "seven steps," the couple takes these steps together, each representing a vow and a commitment to their shared journey. These vows, steeped in history and culture, encapsulate the core values of a successful marriage.
The origins of these seven vows date back to ancient Hindu traditions. The rituals and practices of the wedding ceremonies are not just celebrations, but also they have deep meanings and historical significance. The seven vows, or Saat Pheras, are also known as Saptha Padhi, a term that embodies all the elements and practices of marriage.
The seven vows themselves are a testament to the enduring nature of this sacred bond. Each phera, or circumambulation, signifies a specific promise that the bride and groom make to each other. They are not mere words but a commitment to a shared life. The first vow, for example, often involves a promise of mutual support and nourishment, "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman" (meaning, "You will offer me food and be helpful in every way. I will cherish you and provide welfare and happiness for you and our children").
The seven vows represent a commitment that goes beyond mere words, creating a sacred bond between partners. These vows emphasize commitment, love, and shared values for a happy married life. Considering Agni, the sacred fire, as a witness, the couple takes seven rounds while the priests chant mantras explaining the meaning of the vows. The beauty of the Hindu marriage is reflected in its rituals and gestures during religious ceremonies.
Here's an overview of the seven vows, the Saat Pheras, and their significance within the context of a Hindu marriage:
Phera Number | Sanskrit Mantra (Verse) | English Translation & Significance |
---|---|---|
1st Phera | "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman" | The first vow represents the commitment to provide for and support each other, to share responsibilities, and to provide for the welfare and happiness of the family. The groom promises to cherish the bride, offering her nourishment and support in every way. |
2nd Phera | "Dhapthara ekapadi bhava iti dwitiyan" | The second vow emphasizes the importance of strength and support. The couple vows to protect each other and to stand by one another through thick and thin. It involves a promise to cultivate a deep and meaningful connection, to share joys and sorrows, and to nurture a bond of respect and understanding. |
3rd Phera | "Tryayushe ekapadi bhava iti tritiyan" | The third vow focuses on the commitment to prosperity and the fulfillment of worldly duties. The couple prays for wealth, the resources to build a comfortable life together, and the means to fulfill their respective roles within the family and society. They also vow to work together to enrich their lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically. |
4th Phera | "Chathurtha ekapadi bhava iti chaturthan" | This vow emphasizes the importance of mutual trust, respect, and love. It is a promise of loyalty, a commitment to a long-lasting relationship, and a dedication to nurturing a deep and intimate bond. The couple promises to respect each others families and to support each others growth. |
5th Phera | "Panchame pasoon aavava iti panchamn" | The fifth vow signifies the commitment to be blessed with healthy children and to maintain a happy family life. The couple prays for strong offspring, good health, and the means to raise their children with love and care. They pledge to be responsible and loving parents. |
6th Phera | "Sashthe rutubhyah ekapadi bhava iti shashtan" | This vow represents the commitment to a life of health, longevity, and harmony. The couple prays for a long and healthy life together, filled with joy and contentment. They promise to be loyal to each other, supporting each other's happiness and well-being. |
7th Phera | "Saptapadi bhava iti saptaman" | The seventh vow solidifies the bond between the couple. They promise to be lifelong friends, partners, and companions. They vow to remain true to each other and to strive for mutual understanding, respect, and eternal love. The couple wishes to be together forever. |
Reference: mpanchang.com
The ceremony of the Saat Pheras is a core component of a Hindu wedding ceremony, involving fidelity and marital responsibility, which is also the most important part of the Hindu wedding. The Pheras are commitments between the bride and groom involving fidelity, marital responsibility, and family harmony. During the ceremony, the couple circles the sacred fire, each round representing a specific vow.
The ceremony, however, is more than simply a ritual; it is a profound spiritual experience that reinforces the couple's commitment to each other, their families, and the wider community. As the bride and groom circle the sacred fire, the priest chants mantras, and this signifies a promise that they make to one another. The seven vows that the bride and groom make to each other in the presence of a priest, while circling around a sacred flame in honor of the fire god Agni, represent the framework upon which a successful and harmonious union is built.
The concept of marriage in Hinduism is a treasured tradition, viewed as a sacred commitment between two souls. The bond extends beyond a single lifetime, continuing for seven lives, and the vows are the commitments that the bride and groom make to each other for a happy life. In essence, the Saat Pheras are not just a series of steps, but a profound affirmation of commitment, a symbol of love, and a testament to the shared values that underpin a happy married life.
The seven vows of a Hindu marriage are also known as Saptha Padhi, a term that encapsulates all the elements and practices of marriage. The seven steps of the Saptapadi are a core part of Hindu marriage rituals, emphasizing commitment, love, and unity between partners as they embark on their journey together. From the first vow of mutual support to the seventh vow of lifelong companionship, the Saat Pheras provide the foundation for a successful and harmonious union.
It is an elaborate ritual occasion to take the seven vows of marriage, and the seven vows or Pheras of the Hindu wedding ceremony are an important part of the religious sanctity of marriage. The vows emphasize commitment, love, and shared values for a happy married life. The seven wedding vows form the foundation of a Hindu marriage. The ceremony is conducted by a priest, and the rituals are traditionally performed in a Hindu temple.
Regardless of the scale of the wedding, the Saat Pheras remains a constant, a symbol of the promises made to each other. The exchange of wedding rings and exchange of vows is also a part of this significant ceremony.
The tradition of Saptapadi (seven steps or seven vows) is commonly found in South Indian marriages, and it is also referred to as Saat Phere in North India.