Seven Vows

Seven Vows

Overview of Seven Vows

Seven Vows are one of the most important rituals in Hindu Marriages as seven promises symbolize seven promises, which are pledged by both bride and the groom during the sacred ceremony of wedding. The holy fire during the wedding day created with ghee and wooden sticks serves as a witness to the ritual of seven vows. The pandit while reciting some vedic hymns or mantras blazing the fire of havankund and in the meantime the bride and the groom pledge their commitment to each other and promises each other to stay for lifetime. Commonly known as Saptapadi/ Seven pheras, seven pledges is a ritual which is great to watch in Hindu Marriages, although the act of taking seven vows varies from region to region in India.  Seven promises teach us the actual essence of happy and peaceful married life as both bride and groom promises and pledge with each other to remain helpful to each other in happiness and sorrows. Both will stand by each other in times of difficulties and hurdles.

Features of the Ritual of Seven Vows

Before taking the seven promises, the bride is made to sit to the right hand side of the groom. It is after the seven pheras that the bride is sit to the left hand side of the groom which is considered that now the bride is closer to the heart of groom.  In most of the Hindu Weddings,  the couple takes seven pheras while the groom take first four pheras which is followed by bride who takes last three pheras.

Meaning of Seven Vows

1)      During the first Vow, both pledged to each other that they would live a happy and prosperous life for household and the family and would look after and avoid those things that serve as an obstacle to their healthy living.

2)      While taking the second round to the fire, both the bride and groom pledge that they would provide spiritual, mental and physical power to each other to lead a prosperous life.

3)      During the third of the seven pledges, the couple agreed to earn a living by doing righteous and proper deeds, so that their materialistic wealth increases manifold.

4)      While taking the fourth round to the holy fire, the couple promises to acquire knowledge, prosperity, happiness and harmony by developing mutual understanding, love, faith and respect.

5)      During the fifth vow, the couple prays to be blessed with children for heredity. They also pray for honesty, bravery, intelligence and health of their children.

6)      While taking sixth vow, both the bride and the groom promises to have self-control over their minds and anger and prays for the last long married life.

7)      During the last and final seventh vow, the couple agreed and promises that they would loyal to each other and would lead the life as the best companions or friends.