Today I am going to write the verses being chanted during the Hindu wedding ceremonies in India. This part is called as “Saptapadi” literally means “Seven Steps”. The couple is asked to walk around the “Holy Fire” seven times – which is the necessary part in any Hindu ritual.
Each of this verse is chanted one-by-one and only when the couple has finished taking this vow, they are declared as married. So, let’s see the Sanskrit verses and their translated meaning in English.
iṣā ekapadī bhava iti prathamam
ūrje dvipadī bhava iti dvitīyam
vratāya tripadī bhava iti tṛtīyam
māyo bhavāya catuśpadī bhava iti caturtham
paśubhyā paṃcapadī bhava iti paṃcamam
rāyaspoṣāya ṣaṭpadī bhava iti ṣaṣṭam
hotrebhyaḥ saptapadī bhava iti saptamam
With this first step, we provide for and support each other
With this second step, we will be resilient and strong in body, mind and spirit
With this third step, we will share all worldly possessions
With this fourth step, we will live in harmony offering constant love to one another
With this fifth step, we will have a family and nurture them together
With the sixth step, we will enjoy the fruits of all seasons
With this seventh step, we will always remain friends and cherish each other
My favorite “steps” are the fourth, the sixth and the seventh – of course, I love this ritual very much overall and it excites me every time I read or listen.
What about yours?
Thank you for reading!