Saptha padhi

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Saptha padhi is considered to be the most important part of a very elaborate Hindu wedding ceremony. It involves the bridegroom walking seven steps with the bride, while holding her hand. It is said that only by doing so is the marriage is considered complete and legal.

The mantras that are recited during this ritual also say something to the effect that only when two people walk seven steps together do they become friends: ^[1] The mantra goes on to describe the marriage in religious terms, referring to the Vedas.

After each saying a mantra at each of the seven steps, the couple say these words together:

""Now let us make a vow together. We shall share love, share the same food, share our strengths, share the same tastes. We shall be of one mind, we shall observe the vows together. I shall be the Samaveda, you the Rigveda, I shall be the Upper World, you the Earth; I shall be the Sukhilam, you the Holder - together we shall live and beget children, and other riches; come thou, O sweet-worded girl!" " (see sources cited below: ^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6])