Saptapadi, also known as the Seven Steps or Seven Vows, is a significant ritual in Hindu weddings. It is a sacred commitment made by the bride and groom as they take seven symbolic steps together around the sacred fire (Agni). Saptapadi symbolizes the journey of the couple through married life, their mutual responsibilities, and their shared values.
During the Saptapadi ritual, the couple holds hands and takes seven steps, each step accompanied by a specific vow or promise. These vows are traditionally recited by the priest, and the couple repeats them after him. The vows generally include:
First Step: The couple takes the first step to seek blessings for nourishment and sustenance in their married life, promising to provide for and support each other.
Second Step: The second step represents strength and the commitment to develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength together to overcome challenges and hardships.
Third Step: The couple takes the third step, promising to build a happy and prosperous home by sharing responsibilities, wealth, and resources.
Fourth Step: The fourth step represents the pursuit of joy, harmony, and happiness in their marital relationship. The couple pledges to find joy in each other and their shared experiences.
Fifth Step: The fifth step symbolizes the cultivation of trust, respect, and loyalty towards each other. The couple promises to remain faithful and devoted to one another.
Sixth Step: The sixth step signifies the desire for long-lasting companionship and friendship. The couple vows to appreciate and support each other’s aspirations, interests, and personal growth.
Seventh Step: The final step represents the spiritual union of the couple. They pledge to be true to each other, to love and cherish one another, and to remain lifelong partners, guided by the principles of love, commitment, and loyalty.
The Saptapadi ritual concludes with the tying of a sacred thread or knot around the bride’s waist, symbolizing their eternal bond and the completion of the wedding ceremony.
Saptapadi holds great significance as it outlines the foundation and principles of a successful and fulfilling married life. It symbolizes the couple’s commitment, understanding, and shared journey as they embark on their new life together.