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Saptapadi ( Sanskrit: सप्तपदी, romanized: Saptapadī, lit. 'seven steps') or saat phere ( Hindi: सात फेरे, sāt phéré, lit. 'seven circumambulations') is regarded to be the most important rite (Sanskrit: rītī) of a Hindu wedding ceremony. In this rite, the bride and the groom tie a knot and take seven steps together, or seven rounds around a sacred fire accompanied by one vow for each step. After the seventh step or circuit is taken, the marriage of the couple is regarded to be complete as per Hindu tradition. [1] [2]
The saptapadi is an ancient ritual that dates back to the Vedic period. The circumambulation of the sacred altar of fire is a rite that is performed differently in various regions of South Asia. In some regions, the couple walks around the altar seven times. In other regions, the couple takes seven steps to complete a single circumambulation. [2] At each step or circuit, the couple may also take various vows, the content of which varies from region to region. [3] Vows made in the presence of the sacred fire are considered unbreakable, with Agnideva (lit. God/Lord of Fire; c.f. Latin cognates: ignis+deus) held as both witnessing and blessing the couple's union. Every phera taken holds a specific meaning.
In South India and Western India, during the Hindu wedding, the couple say these words as they complete the seven steps of the saptapadi:
In North Indian weddings, the bride and the groom say the following words after completing the seven steps:
The Saat phere or the seven pradakshinas ( circumambulations) are as follows:
The vows taken in each phera are as below:
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.
... The Ritual of the Hindu Wedding too is each symbolic ...
... they both say: "Now let us make a vow together. We shall share the same food, share the strengths ...
... The gates of the wedding hall are adorned with full-grown plantain trees, signifying evergreen plenty for endless generations ...
... We have taken the Seven Steps. You have become mine ...
... May the plants be honey-sweet for us; may the Sun be all honey for us and ...
... May the nights be honey-sweet for us; may the mornings be honey-sweet ...
... we are word and meaning, united ...
Part of a series on |
Hinduism |
---|
Saptapadi ( Sanskrit: सप्तपदी, romanized: Saptapadī, lit. 'seven steps') or saat phere ( Hindi: सात फेरे, sāt phéré, lit. 'seven circumambulations') is regarded to be the most important rite (Sanskrit: rītī) of a Hindu wedding ceremony. In this rite, the bride and the groom tie a knot and take seven steps together, or seven rounds around a sacred fire accompanied by one vow for each step. After the seventh step or circuit is taken, the marriage of the couple is regarded to be complete as per Hindu tradition. [1] [2]
The saptapadi is an ancient ritual that dates back to the Vedic period. The circumambulation of the sacred altar of fire is a rite that is performed differently in various regions of South Asia. In some regions, the couple walks around the altar seven times. In other regions, the couple takes seven steps to complete a single circumambulation. [2] At each step or circuit, the couple may also take various vows, the content of which varies from region to region. [3] Vows made in the presence of the sacred fire are considered unbreakable, with Agnideva (lit. God/Lord of Fire; c.f. Latin cognates: ignis+deus) held as both witnessing and blessing the couple's union. Every phera taken holds a specific meaning.
In South India and Western India, during the Hindu wedding, the couple say these words as they complete the seven steps of the saptapadi:
In North Indian weddings, the bride and the groom say the following words after completing the seven steps:
The Saat phere or the seven pradakshinas ( circumambulations) are as follows:
The vows taken in each phera are as below:
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.
... The Ritual of the Hindu Wedding too is each symbolic ...
... they both say: "Now let us make a vow together. We shall share the same food, share the strengths ...
... The gates of the wedding hall are adorned with full-grown plantain trees, signifying evergreen plenty for endless generations ...
... We have taken the Seven Steps. You have become mine ...
... May the plants be honey-sweet for us; may the Sun be all honey for us and ...
... May the nights be honey-sweet for us; may the mornings be honey-sweet ...
... we are word and meaning, united ...