Weddings are packed with rituals — some meaningful, some mostly for the photo ops. But if you’re attending or planning a Hindu wedding, the seven vows, or Saptapadi, are the real deal.
They aren’t just poetic promises mumbled while circling a fire; they’re basically the ancient South Asian version of a marriage contract — with more flowers and fire hazards.
Let’s break them down (without making it feel like a religious studies class).
First, What’s the Saptapadi?
In most Hindu weddings (especially in North Indian traditions), the bride and groom take seven steps around the sacred fire (Agni), with each step symbolizing a vow made to each other.
These vows are said in Sanskrit, often with a priest leading the charge — and let’s be honest, most of us don’t speak ancient Sanskrit. So here’s what they really mean.
Vow 1: Nourishment
Sanskrit:
“Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman”
Bride’s Response:
“Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet”
Transliteration:
“With this first step, may we provide for our household with nourishing food and a life of respect.”
Meaning:
The couple prays for abundance of food, nourishment, and a commitment to fulfilling life’s essential needs — together.
Vow 2: Strength and Health
Sanskrit:
“Om oorje jara dastayaha”
Bride’s Response:
“Kutumbum rakshayishyammi sa aravindharam”
Transliteration:
“With this second step, may we grow together in strength and health.”
Meaning:
A vow to support each other through life’s physical and emotional challenges. It also symbolizes mutual protection and well-being.
Vow 3: Prosperity and Wealth
Sanskrit:
“Om rayas santu joradastayaha”
Bride’s Response:
“Tava bhakti as vadedvachacha”
Transliteration:
“With this third step, may we prosper and share our worldly possessions righteously.”
Meaning:
A promise to pursue wealth, success, and prosperity together — through ethical means — and share the fruits of life generously.
Vow 4: Happiness and Harmony
Sanskrit:
“Om mayo bhavyas jaradastaya ha”
Bride’s Response:
“Lalayami cha pade vadet”
Transliteration:
“With this fourth step, may we attain happiness and harmony through mutual love and respect.”
Meaning:
This step represents a shared pursuit of joy, spirituality, and emotional well-being in the marriage.
Vow 5: Family and Children
Sanskrit:
“Om prajabhyaha santu jaradastayaha”
Bride’s Response:
“Arte arba sapade vadet”
Transliteration:
“With this fifth step, may we be blessed with noble children and nurture them with love and care.”
Meaning:
A mutual vow to raise a family, build a loving home, and pass on values and traditions to the next generation. Whether or not children are a part of the plan, the idea is to create family and pass on these values as aunts/uncles or even parents of fur babies.
Vow 6: Lifelong Friendship
Sanskrit:
Rutubhyah shat padi bhava”
Bride’s Response:
“Yajna hom shashthe vacho vadet”
Transliteration:
“With this sixth step, may we live a long, peaceful life together in harmony.”
Meaning:
A commitment to lifelong companionship, health, and mutual understanding. It emphasizes walking the journey of life together.
Vow 7: Loyalty and Unity
Sanskrit:
“Om sakhi jaradastayahga”
Bride’s Response:
“Attramshe sakshino vadet pade”
Transliteration:
“With this seventh step, we promise to be true companions and lifelong partners.”
Meaning:
This final vow seals the marriage. It expresses eternal friendship, loyalty, and unity — the soul of the partnership.
So Why Do the Vows Matter?
Because amidst all the glitter, outfit changes, and the 3-day buffet, the Saptapadi is the soul of a Hindu wedding. It’s the moment that elevates the ceremony beyond aesthetics and into intention.
And the best part? These vows aren’t rigid rules — they’re reminders. Of love, respect, partnership, and doing life together.
Planning a Ceremony that Honors the Old but Feels Fresh?
Whether you want a traditional mandap with lotus motifs or a minimalist garden ceremony with Sanskrit voiceovers, Arju has vendors who get both your roots and your vibe.
From priests who explain rituals in plain English to planners who can choreograph the perfect “pheras playlist,” Arju connects you with the best in South Asian wedding services.
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