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Seven vows, Saptadi or seven steps are of immense significance in Indian Hindu marriages. As the man and the women are to be united into holy matrimony there are certain promises that they make to themselves and to each other.
The seven vows are taken during the pheras, which is walking in a circle around the Havan kund as Vedic mantras are recited. Before the pheras the bride is seated to the left of the groom. Once the ceremony of pheras is solemnized the priest asks the bride to have a seat to the right of the groom.
These seven vows are as follows
First vow
The groom promises the bride to provide joy and welfare to her and their children. He asks her to serve him meals.
In return, the bride vows to take the responsibility of the home and the household.
Second vow
The groom asks the bride that together they both will let no harm come to their home and children. In return the bride promises to be his strength and courage at all stages of life and asks him to love her completely.
Third vow
The groom wishes in this vow for prosperity and wealth for them as a couple. He also wishes good bringing up for their children. The bride takes the oath to love him and only him as he is her husband. She also mentions that every other man in her life would be secondary to him.
Fourth vow
The groom observes to the bride that she is sacred to him and has brought joy to his heart. He wishes that they are blessed with good children. The bride promises to love him as affectionately as she can.
Fifth vow
Groom accepts her has his best-friend. In return the bride vows to love and honor him as long as she lives.
Sixth vow
The groom wishes for her happiness and the bride commits to stand by his side always.
Seventh vow
The groom takes the bride as her wife and promises that they belong to each other for eternity. Likewise, the bride takes him as her husband by observing God as witness.
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