Saptapadi
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Saptapadi (in Sanskrit, written as सप्तपदी, saptapadī) or Saat phere (in Hindi, written as सात फेरे, sāt phéré) is an important part of a Hindu marriage ceremony, undertaken by the bride and the groom around a sacred fire. Phere is the plural of phera (फेरा, phérā) which means circumambulation. Fire or Agni is considered sacred and vows taken in front of Agni are considered to be unbreakable - with Agnideva (God of fire) as the witness as well as to seek his blessings. Thus the process of saat phere consists of circumambulating the fire seven times while reciting certain significant vows/invocations (one made by the bride and another made by the groom) with each phera (circumambulation).
The vows taken in each phera are as below:
- With the first phera, the couple invokes the Gods for the plentitude of pure and nourishing food and a life that is noble and respectful.
- With the second phera the couple prays for physical and mental strength and to lead a healthy and peaceful life.
- The third phera is taken for the fulfilment of spiritual obligations. The Gods are invoked for blessing the couple with spiritual strength.
- The fourth phera is taken for the attainment of happiness and harmony through mutual love and trust and a long joyous life together.
- The fifth phera is taken to pray for the welfare of all living entities in the entire universe and for begetting noble children.
- The sixth phera is for bountiful seasons all over the world. The couple prays for bountiful seasons and seeks that they may go through these seasons together, just as they would share their joys and sorrows.
- With the last phera they pray for a life of understanding, loyalty, unity and companionship not only for themselves but also for the peace of the Universe.
Having exchanged these vows of love, duty, respect, fidelity and a fruitful union the couple agree to be companions forever. The process of saat phere acquires more significance in that the couple prays for the peace and well being of the entire universe.
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: [1][2][3][4][5])
