by Barbara Anderson It is difficult to overestimate the role of marriage in India: it is a sacred institution with centuries-old history and deep meaning. Marriage joins not only the lives of the bride and groom but also unites their families. The matrimonial ceremony is a vital part of every culture, and every country has its marriage traditions, which can change over the passing time.
Hindy marriage traditions and rituals hide the sacred meaning and show the solemnity of this moment. There are several most crucial customs among a huge number or marriage traditions: Sindoor Daan, Jaimala, wearing Mangalsutra, and 7 Vows.
7 Vows Ceremony
The bride and the groom give these vows when they take Saat Pheras around the sacred fire. It means that they want to be blessed by God and fire to find each other for the next seven births and taking the Saat Phere.
This ceremony goes as follows: priests chant the mantras of seven vows, the bride and the groom repeat them in turn, but only several of them understand the meaning of these mantras and follow the promises.
These promises teach partners to lead a happy family life without offense and take care of each other, so they become good companions and unite their souls.
Vedic scriptures are a source of 7 sacred vows that include sacred promises given by the groom and bride to each other as symbols of love and understanding. Let’s consider what they mean.
First Vow
The groom vows to the bride that he will be responsible for the wife’s and children’s happiness, nourishment, and well-being.
The bride vows to groom that she will take care of the family and housekeeping, and share his responsibility as her own.
Second Vow
The groom vows to the bride that he will be loyal to her and will be with her all his life. He vows to provide their family physical, financial, and mental stability and security.
The bride vows to the groom that she will help him, share his responsibility, and is ready to endure all adversity.
Third Vow
The groom vows to the bride that he will work hard to bring wealth and prosperity to their family and give education to their children.
The bride vows to the groom that she will give all her love to her husband, be loyal to him, and maintain morality; other men will be in the second place for her.
Fourth Vow
The groom thanks the bride that she made his life beautiful and full in this blessed marriage day. He vows to respect her family as his own, respect her wishes, and take into account her views before making all important decisions.
The bride vows to the groom that she will be with him in all family and religious commitments or rituals, and agree with him in all decisions. She vows to respect him and his opinions when it will be needed to decide something. Also, she will save him and give her life if her husband is in danger.
Fifth Vow
The groom and the bride vow to be together and share their happiness and sorrow, understand, and take care of each other. They pray together to God to be blessed with healthy children and vow to nurture them with enriching values in love and generosity.
Six Vow
The couple vows to love and respect each other always, for better or for worth. They pray together for God’s blessing for a long and healthy life in joy and prosperity, so that they could carry their duties.
Seventh Vow
The groom and the bride vow that the ritual of 7 Vows united their souls and turned them into husband and wife. From here to eternity, they will be together, be companions, giving to each other unconditional love and honor, and sharing all joys and sorrows. They promise to adhere to all holy seven vows of this ceremony through their life and vow that they have pure and good faith.
These vows were created several centuries ago but they are still relevant. They demonstrate partnership in family life, full of love, understanding, honor, and care. So, all future partners should know and respect the meaning of these 7 Vows. When the bride and the groom accept them into their souls, they will get peace, harmony, and God’s blessing, and their family life will be full of happiness and wisdom.
