The Seven Vows
Hindu marriages (Vivaaha), a sacred
relationship between two persons is not just confined to one incarnation, but
extends to seven lives, during which the couple progress spiritually, facilitating
each other. There are a number of rituals and customs performed before and
after the wedding that help them achieve this purpose. Each ritual has its own
meaning. However, the most important rituals are performed on the wedding day. A
Hindu wedding is also the most lavish and extensive occasion, with full of
amusing events that happen for 4 to 5 days. Hence, Hindu marriages are renowned
around the world.
According to the Hindu religion,
‘fire’ or ‘agni,’ the ‘God of Fire,’ is believed to be the maintainer of life
and all the Gods and Goddesses surround the sacred fire. So, the newly-weds are
obliged to be involved in the ritual together around the fire. There are seven
‘Pheres’ or vows, known as sapthapadhi, to be taken during the wedding,
performed along with ‘Mangalpheras,’ which is orbiting around the fire. A
marriage is said to be incomplete without these vows. On the wedding day, both
the bride and bride groom sit on the ‘Mandap (Sacred canopy)’ for this rite. The
bride remains seated on the left side of the groom until the rituals are
completed after which they switchover the positions.
Dr. Vinay
Bajrangi
explains the conception and significance of each ‘Phera’ and tells us that a
Hindu marriage is said to be incomplete without these ‘Pheres.’
Phera 1
The newly-weds are allowed to pray to
the Gods to take their blessings so as to receive healthy, good, and
considerate life.
Groom, says, "Om esha ekapadi
bhava iti prathaman, “meaning, “Let our love more intense with each passing
day. Please offer us enough food and be helpful in every way.
Bride says, "Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet," meaning, “I’ll wholeheartedly endure your judgement. I’ll assure
you that I’ll fulfil all my responsibilities of the family with utmost care and
devotion. I’ll protect your honor and stay abided by your love forever. “
Phera 2
In this ‘Phera,’ the couple implores God to
bless them with mental stability, good physical health, and spiritual strength
that help them lead the life smoothly.
Groom says, “Om oorje jara dastayaha," meaning, “We promise that we’ll stand by each other forever.
Please bestow us strength and fearlessness to protect our home and family from
evil power.”
Bride says, "Kutumburn rakshayishyammi sa aravindharam,” meaning, “I
promise that I’ll let only pleasing words pass my lips. I’ll stand by your side
in safeguarding our family and children from evil powers. You shall love only
me as your dearest wife and not entertain anyone in my position.”
Phera 3
The couple pleads the Gods to bless
them with enough wealth, wisdom, and prosperity so that they’ll stay contended
during their married life. In the third ‘Phera,’ the couple pledges that they
are aware of the importance of religious and sacred responsibilities and that
they will be performing the rites in future without fail.
Groom says, “Om rayas Santu joradastayaha,"
meaning, “We promise that we’ll stay spiritual and prosper
together under your holiness. I’ll treat my wife as my only other half and I’ll
consider other women as my sisters.”
Bride says, "Thava bhakti as
vadedvachacha," meaning, “I’ll love you forever and consider all
other men as my brothers. I’ll remain as a chaste wife showering all the love
and devotion.”
Phera 4
In this ‘Phera,’ apart from persuading
God to bless the couple with utmost happiness, the couple pledges that they are
aware of the importance of the bond with family, parents, and elders and that
they’ll abide by it.
Groom says, “Lalayami cha pade vadet," meaning,
I’ll adorn myself with jewellery and flowers, only to please you. I’ll let my
fragrance be casted only on you, and I’ll do everything I can to please you.
Phera 5
In this ‘Phera,’ the couple prays to God to shower his
blessings for all the living things in the universe. This ‘Phera’ mentions the concern the bride
and bridegroom have to show with each other’s family members. It also
represents their honourable errands towards charity and welfare of the
universe.
Groom says, “"Om
prajabhyaha Santu jaradastayaha," meaning, “Dear! This far, we’ve taken
four steps Together. With the fifth step, my life will be uplifted. I would
like you to share my duties for all charity activities. I pray to God to bless
us with noble, righteous, and valiant children.”
Bride says, "Arthe arba
sapade vadet," meaning, “I’ll share your happiness as well as sorrows. My
primary objective will be to satisfy your wishes.”
Phera 6
‘Phera’ number 6 is all about asking for
long and blissful life.’
Groom says, “By walking seven steps with
me, you have added up enormous happiness to my life. I wish to have you always
by my side and flood my life with pleasure and peace.”
Bride says, “Yajne home shashthe vacho
vadet," meaning, I promise you that I’ll ever be with you and take part in
all your righteous activities.”
Phera 7
The seventh ‘Phera’ is the concluding
‘Phera,’ which tots up completeness to the ‘Pheres (plural of phera).’ The
couple pray for long lasting bond with good understanding, faithfulness, and
accompaniment.
Groom says, “Om shakhi
jaradastayahga," meaning, “My beloved! We have taken seven ‘Pheres,’
meaning, we have become husband and wife and possess a single identity. From
now on, we will be incomplete without each other. You’re mine and I’m yours for
eternity.”
Bride says, Atthramshe sakshino vadet
pade," meaning, “I’m privileged to be your other half. I promise that I’ll
be truthful to you always. I’ll love you and I promise you that I’ll be honest.
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