The Seven Vows

An Indian wedding is one of the most serious and startling affairs in any Hindu family, which is all about rituals and customs.  This is visible from the strictness with which it is performed. Every ritual and custom has its own meaning.  Though, the most important one is PHERAS solemnizing the seven vows of the marriage. This we can say the root of any marriage. 

Each vow of the seven pheras is the seven promise between the bride and groom to each other for a happy and prosperous life. They are bound together for life with an unseen bond powered by these promising words.

These seven vows are also known as Saptadi, which are performed along with each mangal pheras revolving around the holy fire known as Agni Sakshi.  Any marriage is incomplete without these vows and is deemed complete once they are conducted even in love marriages.  The groom leads the bride in the first four pheras and the bride leads in the last three pheras.

On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom sit under the mandap for this ritual.  

Seven Vows:

1st
Groom:

You will offer me food and be helpful in every way.  I will value you and provide well-being and happiness for you and our children.

Bride:

In return, the bride says that she will be responsible for the home, food, and all household responsibilities.

2nd
Groom:

The Groom promises to protect his bride, house, and children under all circumstances.

Bride:

The bride promises that she will be by his side as your courage and strength through his agonies and ecstasies.  

3rd
Groom

The groom promises to work hard to earn enough wealth for the family to provide them with a prosperous life and strive for the education of our children.

Bride:

In return, the wife promises to love you solely for the rest of her life and will effectively take care of the income and household expenses.

 

4th
Groom:

You have brought blessedness into my life, and have completed me.  May we be blessed with noble and obedient children.

Bride:

I will shower you with joy from head to toe.  I will strive to please you in every way I can.

5th
Groom:

You are my best friend and loyal well-wisher.  The groom promises to consult his wife in all important matters.
Bride:

In return bride also promise to love and cherish you as long as she lives committing your happiness is my happiness and your sorrows are my sorrows. 

I will trust and support you in all your endeavors.

6th
Groom:

I promise to remain committed and loyal to you and consider her alone as his soulmate.

Bride:

in return, the bride also promises to remain faithful and always be by his side.

7th
Groom:

Groom promises that we are now husband and wife and are one and will lead with you.  You are mine and I am yours for eternity.

Bride:

In return bride also promise that I am now your wife and will spend her life with him until the very end.   We will remain the best companion and best friends for a lifetime.

weddingrituals.blogspot.in