Significance of 7 Pheras in Wedding

Hindu marriages are well renowned around the world for all the rituals and events forming part of the marriage ceremony. Whether it is a week-long celebration before the actual wedding date or night-long parties, the joy and exuberance evident in Indian marriages are simply unparalleled.

Among various ceremonies and sacred rites; there exists a ritual of 7 pheras (encirclements or roundabouts) which is considered one of the most sacred and significant rituals of them all. 7 pheras also called Saptapadi (in the Sanskrit language) basically refer to the ceremony of walking around the sacred fire seven times at the time of the wedding. As in the Hindu religion, it is believed that the "fire or Agni" is the maintainer of life and all the Gods and Goddesses are always present around this sacred fire, so the bride and bridegroom are required to take this ritual together around the holy fire that is believed to be representing Agni Devta or God of Fire.

The first three pheras are completed with the bride leading and in the rest, of the pheras groom leads the way. Before diving into the significance of each phera let's have a look at that how the pheras are actually performed.

How Are 7 Pheras Performed?

The ritual of 7 pheras is performed under the guidance of a priest, also called pandit in the Hindi language. The priest (pandit) utters aloud the religious sayings (mantras), while the Hindu bride and the Hindu groom sit around the holy fire. After specific instructions from the priest, the bride and the groom rise up and walk around the fire seven times & with the completion of the 7th phera the ritual of 7 pheras is said to be completed.

Significance Of Each Phera

As the name suggests, the ritual of pheras comprises 7 pheras in all. Each phera has a distinct significance and meaning for the bride and the groom; a brief of which is mentioned below :

1st Phera:

In the first phera, the couple prays to God to extend his blessings on them in the form of healthy food and respectful life. The first phera also indicates that God is the only ultimate deity, who can bless the couple with the boon of honourable life and wholesome food

• Bridegroom's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman" By performing the first phera lets promise to each other that our love shall become more intense with each passing day. We will help each other in every possible manner. You will cook food for me. I will bestow my love and affection upon you and shower my goodness during this journey of our married life. I will treat you kindly along with lots of love, so as to keep you happy and healthy.

• Bride's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language"Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet" I will wholeheartedly accept your judgment. I promise you that I will fulfil all the responsibilities of your family with utmost care and dedication. I will take care of your honour and remain abided by your love forever.

2nd Phera:

In the second phera, the couple pleads to God for imparting them with mental stability, physical health and spiritual strength so that they can live there life smoothly after getting entangled in this pure relation of being husband-wife forever

• Bridegroom's pledge e/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language"Om oorje jara dastayaha" By performing the ritual of the second phera let us promise to each other that we will stand by each other forever. You will be initiating my strength and courage along with me. Together, we shall defend our home and family from all types of odd things and evil power.

• Bride's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language"Kutumburn rakshayishyammi an aravindharam" I will always fill your heart with exuberant courage and strength. I pledge that I will utter only pleasant words. I shall be supporting you in protecting our family and children from evil powers. You shall love only me as your life partner.

3rd Phera:

In the third phera, The couple invokes God to provide them with uttermost wealth, wisdom and prosperity so that they can live contented and satisfied ever after. The third phera also signifies the importance of religious and sacred responsibility which shall be performed by the couple in their future life.

• Bridegroom's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language "Om rayas Santu joradastayaha" By performing the ritual of the third phera, let us promise each other that we will remain spiritually abide by each other. I will look towards other women only as my sisters. We shall grow and flourish together under the sacred and holy sanctity of God.

• Bride's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language "Tava bhakti as vadedvachacha" I will love you for the whole of my life. I will consider all other men as my brothers. My love and respect for you will never fade. By virtue of my love and devotion, I will remain a chaste wife.

4th Phera:

In the fourth phera, the couple prays to god for bestowing happiness and rapport on them. The fourth phera also signifies the importance of family, parents and elders. The fourth phera bring out a commitment between the two souls that they will remain pledged to take care of their elders, family members and parents for the rest of their life.

• Bridegroom's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language "Om mayo bhavyas jaradastaya ha" By performing the ritual of the fourth phera, let us promise each other that we will provide utmost aid to our elders and parents. You will bring fortune and sanctity in my life. May god bless us with an ecstatic life and healthy children

• Bride's pledge/promise : As uttered in Sanskrit language"Lalayami cha pade vadet." I will decorate myself with jewelry, flowers and garlands just for you. The euphoria of my fragrance will be bestowed on only you. I will serve you and please you in every possible way.

5th Phera:

In the Fifth Phera , the couple pray to almighty to bless his kindness for all the living things of this universe. They pray for the happiness and well being of each others relatives and friends. Fifth Phera denotes the Bride's and bridegroom's concern with each other's family members and relatives. It also signifies their moral responsibilities towards the charities and universe welfare. Another importance of fifth Phera is that they pray for a noble breed.

• Bridegroom's pledge/promise : As uttered in Sanskrit language""Om prajabhyaha Santu jaradastayaha" Dear, we have walked four steps together. By taking this fifth steps with me, you have enriched my life. May you be blessed with every happiness. May our loved ones live long and happy life. Please come and share my duties for all charity acts. Come with me so we can enrich our family and get blessed with noble, righteous and brave children.

• Bride's pledge/promise: As uttered in Sanskrit language "Arte arba sapade vadet" I will be with you in all the circumstances. I will share your happiness and joy and I will also share your grieves. Your love will give me strength to trust and respect you. My utmost concern would be your wish fulfillment. I pledge to do all possible tasks to carry out your wishes.

6th Phera:

By performing Sixth phera couple implore for a long and happy life. They pray to almighty to extend his blessings for a long lived togetherness. They wish to enjoy endless plentiful seasons with each other. Sixth phera is completely related to the long, joyous life and togetherness.

• Bridegroom's pledge/promise : My Love, you have added immense happiness to my life, by taking six steps with me. My heart is filled with joy. I wish to have you always by my side. May you be with me forever and glut my life with pleasure and peace

• Bride's pledge/promise: As uttered in Sanskrit language "Yajne home shashthe vacho vadet" I assure you that I will always walk beside you. I promise you that I will happily participate with you in all your noble acts. I will stand with you to perform the jobs to enrich our mercenary prosperity and enjoyment. I will also extend my efforts for all your devotional duties.

7th Phera:

Seventh Phera is the last phera which adds completion to the ritual of seven pheras. In seventh Phera , Bride & Bridegroom plead for a joy-full life. The couple begs god for a long-lasting bond enriched with good understanding, loyalty and companionship. They pledge to bear the relationship with love and honesty. The couple invokes and also prays for universal peace as well as social welfare.

• Bridegroom's pledge/promise: As uttered in the Sanskrit language "Om sakhi jaradastayahga." My beloved, we have performed seven pheras together and now we have a single identity. Henceforth we would be incomplete without each other. Our existence is entirely devoted to each other. I am completely yours and you are completely mine. Our bond has become perpetual. May we have an everlasting marriage.

• Bride's pledge/promise: As uttered in Sanskrit language "Attramshe sakshino vadet pade." With the piousness of seven steps, I have been privileged to be your wife. I promise you to be always truthful. We will love each other forever. We all the promises we have taken during this holy ritual, we will do possible to carry out the same with pure intentions. We pledge to be transparent with each other.