Know what Saat Phere in Hindu weddings symbolise and mean

Mumbai: When two individuals get together for a marital alliance, a bond between their respective families develops for a lifetime. Marriages in India are an elaborate affair with family members from both the bride and the groom’s sides having an important role to play.

The wedding ceremony is spread over days but the marriage is solemnised only after the groom and the bride complete seven circumambulations around the sacred fire (Agnikund). This ritual is popularly known as Saat Phere and traditionally called Saptapadi.

Saat Phere are seven vows taken collectively by the bride and the groom as they do the parikrama around Agni Dev by taking him as a witness to their marriage. This is called AgniSakhi.

The groom leads his bride while doing the first four parikramas while the latter leads her man during the remaining three pheres.

Now, let us take a look at what each of the seven vows or pheres mean and symbolise:

FIRST VACAHAN

The groom promises to take care of his bride, their children and the family.

In return, the bride undertakes the responsibility of looking after the groom’s home and his food.

SECOND VACHAN

The groom promises to protect his bride under all circumstances. In return, the bride promises to stand by her husband through his agonies and ecstasies.

THIRD VACHAN

The groom promises to work hard to earn enough wealth for the family and in return, the bride promises to effectively take care of the income and expenses.

FOURTH VACHAN

The groom promises to entrust the responsibility of his household to his bride and respect her wise decisions regarding the same.  In return, the bride promises to fulfil her duties to the best of her abilities for a respectful living.

FIFTH VACHAN

The groom promises to consult his wife in all important matters. In return, the bride promises to support her groom in all his endeavours.

SIXTH VACHAN

The groom promises to remain committed and loyal to his bride besides considering her alone as his wife. The bride in return promises to remain faithful to her husband.

SEVENTH VACHAN

The groom promises to lead his entire life with is bride, who is not just his wife but his friend forever. In return, the wife too promises to spend her life with him until the very end.