Friday, February 19, 2010

Saptapadi is Saat Phere Around the Sacred Agni

Saptapadi is Saat Phere Around the Sacred Agni



Seven Promises to be Fulfilled in Married Life at Septapadi

Saptapadi stands for 'saat phere', which means seven circles around the fire. With their clothing ends tied firmly, the groom and the bride circle the holy fire seven times, making seven promises to be fulfilled in the married life, after which they are considered to be married to each other. This ritual is called saptapadi. Traditionally, there were three phere. But now this has been mixed with saptapadi (seven steps) and, therefore, seven phere are done, one for each "vachan" or promise.They walk around 'agni' in circles, seven times to complete saptapadi. Agni, i.e. fire, is considered a witness to the vows they make to each other. The bridegroom makes seven vows of dharma, artha and kama and the bride promises to support him in fulfilling his vows. First the bride leads three times, and then the bridegroom four times, completing these seven steps, i.e. saptapadi around 'agni'. The priest is reciting the sermons to bless the couple. The priest is busy explaining the importance of each step during saptapadi. They then bend down to touch the feet of their parents to have their blessings, who in return wish the newly wed couple all the best with lots of love. Visit ApnaMatch to perform saptapadi to become united for ever.



The saptapadi or seven vows:
  • May the couple be blessed always with food
  • May the couple be healthy and full of energy
  • May the couple be blessed with ideals of Vedas for prosperity
  • May the couple be blessed with happiness
  • May the couple be blessed with (obedient) children
  • May the couple have all the seasons beneficial to them
  • May the couple always be successful in life and be the best of friends

Companions Forever After Sat Phere

Having exchanged these vows of love, duty, respect, fidelity and a fruitful union by performing saat phere, the couple become companions forever. The memories of this process of saat phere will always remind them of the vows taken, which have to be fulfulled to the end.

In north Indian Hindu wedding, the bride and the groom say the following words, as directed by the priest, after completing saptapadi:

"We have taken the Seven Steps. You have become mine for ever. Yes, we have become life-partners. I have become yours. Hereafter, I cannot live without you. Do not live without me. Let us share the joys."

Meet a Hindu partner after saptapadi to become inseperable life-partners by registering here.

Saptapadi is Saat Phere Around the Sacred Agni

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