Wedding ceremonies around the world are rich with customs and rituals, each carrying its own profound symbolism. 

Among these, the concept of “wedding rounds” in sanatan dharma, holds a unique place, often referring to a series of blessings, vows, or ceremonial circumambulations that solidify the union of two individuals. 

While the specific interpretations and practices vary greatly across cultures and religions, the underlying theme remains consistent: the sacred journey a couple undertakes as they embark on a shared life.

Understanding Wedding Rounds: A Global Perspective in Saptapadi 7 Steps

The term “wedding rounds” can encompass a multitude of traditions. In many cultures, it refers to the physical act of circumambulating a sacred fire or altar, symbolizing the couple’s journey together, guided by divine blessings. 

In others, it might represent a series of vows or blessings exchanged at different points during the ceremony, each adding a layer of commitment and purpose to the marital bond.

Hindu Wedding Saptapadi 7 Seven Steps

One of the most prominent examples of wedding rounds is the ‘Saptapadi’ in Hindu weddings. This ritual involves the bride and groom taking seven steps together around a sacred fire (Agni), with each step representing a specific vow and a promise for their married life.

 

Step	Vow	Significance
1	To provide for each other’s needs	Prosperity and abundance
2	To strengthen each other in mind, body, and spirit	Physical and mental well-being
3	To maintain wealth and prosperity	Economic stability
4	To achieve happiness and harmony	Marital bliss and contentment
5	To raise strong and virtuous children	Family continuity and values
6	To remain faithful and committed	Loyalty and unwavering support
7	To be true companions for life	Everlasting friendship and understanding

The Agni, or sacred fire, acts as a witness to these vows, and it is believed that with each step, the couple’s bond is strengthened and blessed by the divine.

The Enduring Significance

Regardless of the cultural or religious context, wedding rounds share common threads that highlight their enduring significance:

• Commitment and Vows: They serve as a powerful affirmation of the promises made between the couple.
• Sacredness of the Union: They elevate the marriage to a sacred bond, often witnessed by divine elements or community.
• Journey Together: The act of taking steps or circling symbolizes the couple’s journey through life, supporting and guiding each other.
• Community and Blessings: Often performed in the presence of family and friends, these rituals invite communal blessings and support for the couple.

As modern couples blend traditions or create their own unique ceremonies, the essence of wedding rounds continues to inspire. 

Whether it’s the ancient Saptapadi or a contemporary adaptation, these symbolic gestures remind us that marriage is a profound journey, a continuous dance of commitment, love, and shared purpose.

Let’s now explore the deeper meaning of each step of the Saptapadi.

First Vow

In the first vow, the bride asks the husband to promise that he will not go alone on any pilgrimage but will take his wife along. Religious activities and fasting will also be done together.

Second Vow

The bride asks the groom in the second vow that he will respect her family in the same way he respects his parents.

Third Vow 

In this vow, the bride tells the groom that he will support her in all three stages of life (youth, adulthood, old age) and will take care of her. If you promise to do so, then I accept to come to your left side.

Fourth Vow

The bride tells the groom that till now you were free from family responsibilities, but now being tied in the bond of marriage, you will have to fulfill the economic and social responsibilities of the family. If you accept this responsibility, then I accept to come to your left side.

Fifth Vow

The bride says that if you will take my opinion in your household work, financial transactions, or any other important decision, then I accept to come to your left side.

Sixth Vow

The girl says that if I am sitting with my family or friends, you will not insult me ​​in any way. If you will stay away from gambling, alcohol, and other bad habits, then I accept to come to your left side.

Seventh Vow 

As the last promise, the girl asks for this boon that you will treat other women like your mother and will not make anyone else a partner in the mutual love of husband and wife. If you give me this promise, then only I accept to come to your left side.

पहला वचन

तीर्थव्रतोद्यापन यज्ञकर्म मया सहैव प्रियवयं कुर्याः वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति वाक्यं प्रथमं कुमारी

पहले वचन में पन्नी पति से वचन मांगती है कि किसी भी तीर्थ यात्रा पर वह अकेला नहीं जाएगा बल्कि पत्नी को साथ ले चलेगा. धार्मिक कार्य और उपवास भी साथ किए जाएंगे ।

दूसरा वचन

पूज्यो यथा स्वौ पितरौ ममापि तथेशभक्तो निजकर्म कुर्याः । वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचन द्वितीयम्!

कन्या वर से दूसरे वचन में कहती है कि वह जिस तरह अपने माता-पिता का आदर- सत्कार करता है उसी तरह मेरे परिवार को भी सम्मान देगा ।

तीसरा वचन

जीवनमवस्थात्रये पालनं कुर्यात् । वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचनं तृतीयम् !

इस वचन में कन्या वर से कहती है कि आप जीवन के तीनों अवस्थाओं ( युवावस्था, प्रौढ़ावस्था, वृद्धावस्था) में मेरा साथ निभाएँगे और मेरा ध्यान रखेंगे। यदि आप ऐसा करने का वचन देते हैं, तो मैं आपके वामांग में आना स्वीकार करती हूँ ।

चौथा वचन

कुटुम्बसंपालनसर्वकार्य कर्तु प्रतिज्ञा यदि कांतं कुर्या वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचनं चतुथ 

कन्या वर से कहती है कि अब तक आप पारिवारिक उत्तरदायित्व से मुक्त थे, लेकिन अब विवाह के बंधन में बंधकर आपको परिवार के आर्थिक और सामाजिक दायित्वों को निभाना होगा। यदि आप इस उत्तरदायित्व को स्वीकार करते हैं, तो मैं आपके वामांग में आना स्वीकार करती हूँ ।

पाचवा वचन

स्वसद्यकार्ये व्यवहारकर्मण्ये व्यये मामपि मन्त्रयेथा । वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रूते वचः पंचमं कन्या !

कन्या कहती है कि यदि आप अपने घर के कार्यो, धन के लेन- देन, या अन्य किसी महत्वपूर्ण निर्णय में मेरी राय लेंगे, तो मैं आपके वामांग में आना स्वीकार करती हूँ ।

छठवां वचन

न मेपमानम सविधे सखीनां द्यूतं न वा दुर्व्यसनं भंजश्चेत, वामाम्गमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचन च षष्ठम

कन्या कहती है कि यदि मैं अपने परिवार या सहेलियों के बीच बैठी हूँ, तो आप मेरा किसी भी प्रकार से अपमान नहीं करेंगे। यदि आप जुआ, शराब, और अन्य बुरी आदतों से दूर रहेंगे, तो मैं आपके वामांग में आमा स्वीकार करती हूँ ।

सातवां वचन

परस्त्रियं मातृसमा समीक्ष्य स्नेहं सदा चेन्मयि कान्त कुर्या । वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीय ब्रूते वचः सप्तममत्र कन्या ॥

अंतिम वचन के रूप में कन्या ये वर मांगती है कि आप पराई स्त्रियों को माता के समान समझेंगें और पति- पत्नी के आपसी प्रेम के मध्य अन्य किसी को भागीदार न बनाएंगें. यदि आप यह वचन मुझे दें तो ही मैं आपके वामांग में आना स्वीकार करती हूं ।

Regards,
Nirav Hiingu