The Sacred Symbolism Of Seven Pheras In Hindu Weddings

The 7 phere in a Hindu wedding, also known as the Saptapadi, is a sacred ritual where the bride and groom walk around a holy fire, taking seven steps or seven rounds, with each step or round representing a different vow. The ritual is considered the most important part of a Hindu wedding ceremony, and the marriage is only deemed complete once the seven phere are finished. The seven vows cover different aspects of life, such as finances, health, and progeny, and serve to sanctify the union of the couple, giving it social recognition.

The first phera is a prayer for nourishment

The groom's vow is "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman", which translates to "You will offer me food and be helpful in every way. I will cherish you and provide welfare and happiness for you and our children". The bride's vow is "Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet", which means "I am responsible for the home and all household, food and finance responsibilities".

The first phera is a recognition that the couple will work together towards the goal of a healthy and prosperous life, with respect for each other. It is a promise to fulfil their respective roles in their married life, with the groom vowing to always provide for his wife and family, and the bride pledging to share the load of responsibilities equally.

The first phera is a significant step in the Hindu wedding ceremony, marking the couple's intention to care for each other and their families. It is a declaration of their commitment to share the burdens and joys of providing for their household. This phera sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, emphasising the importance of mutual support and respect in their future marriage.

The first phera is also a prayer to God for provision and nourishment. The couple seeks divine blessings by asking God to bestow upon them enough for a healthy and prosperous living. They pray that they never fall short of food or money and vow to work towards this goal together. This phera acknowledges God's role in their marriage, seeking His blessing for abundance and expressing their gratitude for the nourishment they receive.

The first phera is a beautiful expression of the couple's love and commitment to each other and their families. It is a promise to build a strong foundation for their marriage by prioritising each other's well-being and happiness. This phera sets the tone for a marriage based on equality, mutual support, and shared responsibilities.

The second phera is a prayer for strength during challenging times

The second phera is a prayer for strength. The couple asks God to bless them with mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The groom promises to stand by his wife in all situations, and the bride promises to be his strength and support.

The groom's vow is: “Together, we will protect our house and children.” The bride's vow is: "I will be by your side and be your courage and strength. I will rejoice in your happiness. In return, you will love me alone."

The second phera is a prayer for strength and courage to love and support each other through good times and bad. It is similar to the "in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer" vow common in Western weddings.

The second phera is about asking for the strength to stick together in adversity. The wife agrees to support her husband emotionally and be his rock in troubled times. In return, the husband promises to be completely faithful to his wife and love no other woman.

The second phera is also about the wife showing that, despite her subservience to her husband, she is not weak-willed. Her subservience is a sacred show of respect.

The second phera is a prayer for strength, but it is also about the couple promising to stick together and support each other through challenging times.

The third phera is a prayer for prosperity

The groom vows to work hard to become wealthy and provide a good education for their children. He prays for his children to live long lives. The groom's vow translates as:

> "Om Rayas Santu Joraa Dastayaha," which means, "I will work hard to become wealthy, provide good education to our children and pray that they may live long lives."

The bride promises to love her husband devotedly and to remain chaste. She vows that all other men will be secondary to her. Her vow translates as:

> "Tava Bhakti as Vadedvachacha," meaning, "I will love you solely for the rest of my life, as you are my husband. Every other man in my life will be secondary. I vow to remain chaste."

The third phera is a commitment to a prosperous life together, with the couple asking for God's blessing on their financial and family endeavours. They also promise to be loyal to one another, with the groom vowing to work hard and the bride pledging to put her husband first.

The third phera is a significant part of the Hindu wedding ceremony, with the couple taking seven sacred rounds around the holy fire, each round representing a different vow. The third phera is a prayer for prosperity, with the couple asking for God's blessing on their financial and family life. They also pledge their loyalty to one another, with the groom vowing to strive for wealth and the bride promising to remain devoted to her husband.

The seven pheras are an integral part of a Hindu wedding, and the couple is not considered married until they have completed all seven. The pheras are taken around a sacred fire, with the couple reciting different vows with each circumambulation. The third phera is a prayer for prosperity, asking for God's blessing on the couple's financial endeavours and their family life.

The fourth phera is a prayer for unity between families

The fourth phera of a Hindu wedding is a prayer for unity between families. In this phera, the groom expresses his gratitude towards his bride for bringing sacredness and completion into his life. He also prays for blessings on the family unit and praises his new wife. In return, the bride vows to make her husband as happy as she can and to strive to please him in every way possible.

These vows of mutual affection are meant to strengthen the bond between the couple and their families. It is not just about the union of two individuals but also the coming together of two households. The fourth phera calls for harmony and respect within the immediate family and extended family. It is a recognition that the wedding is not just about the couple but also about the joining of two families.

In Hindu culture, the family plays a significant role, and this phera emphasizes the importance of family unity and support. It is a prayer for the families to come together and support each other as one unit. This phera is also about legacy and the strength that comes from a united family.

The fourth phera is a recognition that a strong family bond is essential for a happy and prosperous married life. It is a prayer for the couple to respect and love their children and elders in both families. It is a promise to uphold family values and to always put the family first.

The fourth phera is a beautiful expression of the couple's commitment to their families and each other. It is a recognition that their marriage is not just about them but about the larger family unit. It is a prayer for unity, harmony, and mutual respect between the families.

The fifth phera is a prayer for noble offspring

The groom recites, "Om Prajabhayaha Santu Jaradastayaha", which means, "Dear, we have walked four steps together. By taking this fifth step with me, you have enriched my life. May you be blessed with every happiness. May our loved ones live long and happy lives. 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."

The bride replies, "Arte arba sapade vadet", meaning, "I will be with you in all circumstances. I will share your happiness and joy and I will also share your grief. Your love will give me strength to trust and respect you. My utmost concern would be your wish fulfilment. I pledge to do all possible tasks to carry out your wishes."

Frequently asked questions