The 7 Vows of Hindu Marriage – a Tried and Tested Formula for a Happy Marriage!

The Saath Pheras are an iconic tradition in a Hindu Brahmin wedding that signals a couple’s total acceptance of each other. Though we may know they are in store for us, very few of us know about the deeper meaning each phera holds. While the Pandit chants his prayers, listen closely! Each revolution of the flame on the marriage pandal represents one of the 7 vows of Hindu marriage. Cherish these vows and remember them during all your ups and downs together, for they are the glue to your marriage!

With that in mind, let us find out what the 7 vows of Hindu marriage mean!

Vow 1

Image courtesy: Anoop Padalkar photography

Directed by the Pandit, the groom must recite “om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman”. This means that he promises to provide his bride with shelter, welfare, joy, and prosperity. In return, the bride says “dhanam dhanyam pade vadet”, which translates to the wife promising that their house is a home and also take on responsibilities for the food and finance of the house. Pretty woke, right? Who knew that the loopholes that allow Indian women to pursue careers are built into the 7 vows of Hindu marriage!

Vow 2

At the beginning of the second Phera, the groom must say “om oorje jara dastayaha”. This means that he vows to protect his home, wife and kids with all his might. In its response, the bride says “kutumburn rakshayishyammi sa aravindharam”. This means that she promises to be her husband’s source of strength and courage, and will always rejoice when he is happy. In return, she expects to be his sole companion.

This is one of the  7 vows of Hindu Marriage you must recall when your husband faces adversity (and the reverse holds true too!). If you can be each other’s source of strength, your love will always remain strong!

Vow 3

The groom begins the third round of promises by saying “om rayas santu joradastayaha”. Here, he is promising his bride that the two of them will build a meaningful life for themselves, filled with prosperity. The bride then says “tava bhakti as vadedvachacha” which means that she promises to love only her husband for the rest of her life.

This is one of the 7 vows of Hindu marriage that offers a great piece of advice – build a life with meaning together. Many couples do get hung up on the idea of material wealth and can sometimes drift apart in their pursuit of the same. Building a life that brings joy to the two of you is a more apt way to ensure a happy marriage. Of course, don’t say no to financial planning too!

Vow 4

The groom promises “om mayo bhavyas jaradastaya ha”. He says that his wife has brought sacred meaning into his life and that the two of them should have obedient kids. This vow was clearly written by an enthusiastic Indian parent. The bride replies by saying “lalayami cha pade vadet” which means that she promises to shower her husband with joy and please him in every way. With that, she deftly side-steps the kid issue.

Vow 5

In this vow, the groom says “om prajabhyaha santu jaradastayaha”. What he is saying here is that his wife is his best friend (aw) and has enriched his life. The bride responds by saying “arte arba sapade vadet” which means that she promises to share her husband’s joys and sorrows. When it comes to the 7 vows of Hindu marriage that set accurate expectations of married life, this is it. The two of you are officially a team and must function in tandem. Prioritise each other’s feelings and you’ll be fine!

Vow 6

This vow begins with a question. The groom asks “Rutubhyah shat padi bhava”, will you do me the honour of being my wife and taking this seventh Phera with me? The bride then says “yajna hom shashthe vacho vadet” which means that she will always be by her husband’s side.

The moral of the story here is that consent is king.

Vow 7

During the final round of the 7 vows of Hindu marriage, the groom says “Om sakhi jaradastayahga”. These words are an official declaration of the fact that they are husband and wife. The bride responds with “Attramshe sakshino vadet pade” which basically means that she also considers him to be her husband.

These 7 vows of Hindu marriage are sacred and offer insights into navigating the early years of your marriage when things are still quite new. Here are some more tips to emerge as a lovely couple as the two of you take your first step into this adventure called marriage. Of course, as time goes by, the two of you will come up with your own vows, unique to your relationship and needs. As long as you continue to uphold them, you’ll find that your marriage is filled with bliss.

To make your vows feel more meaningful, make sure your Pandit explains them to you as you take each one. Get in touch with our experienced Pandits to make that happen!