Seven Vows (7 Phere) - Satpadi Vows of Indian Hindu Marriage

Importance of Saat Phere (Wedding Vows) in Hindu Marriage

Marriage is an elaborate affair which signifies the bond between two people who pledge to be with another for their entire life in front of their families, friends and relatives. Saptapadi or Saat phere in Indian customs, wedding vows or marriage vows in others, the tradition and concept of marriage is probably the same in almost all the cultures. However, the difference that exists is in the rituals performed.

In a Hindu wedding ceremony, there are a number of rituals which are being practiced closely for the successful completion of a marriage. Janam Kundali Matching for Marriage plays an important role in Indian weddings.

All the rituals and celebrations of the marriage are spread over days but the ceremony is deemed complete only when the bride and groom takes 7 phere (circumambulations) around Agnikund (sacred fire). And the ritual of performing these seven vows is called as Saptapadi popularly as Saat Phere.

Know facts of love marriage or arrange marriage.

The first step in the Hindu marriage is Kundali matching for marriage, where an astrologer performs a detailed Janam Kundali analysis of the prospective bride and groom.

Rituals of Wedding Vows (Saat Phere)

In the ritual of saat phere, the couple takes seven rounds around the agnikund and also take seven different vows which are followed by the groom and bride for their whole life. By practicing this ritual, the couple seeks togetherness for seven births.

Following is the significance of these seven marriage vows (Saptapadi) in a Hindu wedding ceremony:

1st Phera

In the first vow, the groom agrees and promises to take enough care of the nourishment of his wife and would be responsible for providing food and happiness to her and the children. In response, the bride promises to take care of the family by sharing all the responsibilities, managing household finances and looking after the children, the home and their food.

Also See: Marriage Muhurat Calendar - Shubh Vivah Lagna Dates

2nd Phera

In the second vow, the groom agrees and promises to protect his wife and the children. In response, the bride promises that in all endeavors and ventures of her husband, she will give her full support and encouragement at every step of life. She promises to become his strength.

3rd Phera

In the third vow, the groom agrees and promises to earn enough wealth as to provide good education to the children and to live a peaceful life. In response, the bride promises to being a devoted and loving wife.

4th Phera

In the fourth vow, the groom pay gratitude and thanks to the bride for making his home and life beautiful and sacred with her presence and also pray for a happy married life and to get blessed with loving and obedient children. In response, the bride promises to fill the life of the groom with cheer, happiness and joy.

5th Phera

In the fifth vow, the groom agree and promise to consider his wife as his best friend, the dearest well wisher and prays to God to bless her. In response, the bride promises to love her husband till eternity and also promise to completely trust him in all circumstances. She agrees that from now onwards his happiness would be her bliss.

6th Phera

In the sixth vow, the groom agrees and promises to remain loyal and committed to his wife and would not give her place to anyone in his life. In response, the bride promises to remain completely faithful to him and also promise to stand by his side in the same way for the coming life.

7th Phera

In the seventh and the last vow, the groom promises a lifelong friendship with his wife and prays for the longevity of their marital alliance. He declares that from now on, she would be his wife and he would be her husband for lifelong. In response, the bride promises to spend her whole life with him and accept the groom as her husband in the witness of God. She prays for their happy married life.