All of us know the fact that any Hindu marriage is incomplete without 7 Pheras. But one thing that most of us need to be made aware of is its significance.
Centuries ago, having more than one partner was common for men. Naturally, this led to frequent arguments and a lack of peace in marital life. Due to such practices, it was hard for couples to build long-lasting relationships.
The ritual of 7 Pheras and marriage was invented by Rishit Prajapat to get rid of the problem of keeping multiple partners. Hindu marriages solemnize the bond between two individuals and keep them committed for life. It is one of the sacred unions and any love interest outside the marriage is considered as a great sin! The idea of Saat Phere was established to strengthen the marital bond and make couples vouch for commitment in front of God.
The real spirit of the Hindu or Vedic marriage rite is involved in Saat Phere. After making seven rounds around the fire, the bride and the groom exchange seven vows. It attests to the bride and groom’s devotion to one another, making them husband and wife.
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Meaning of Seven Rounds in Saat Phere
–First Phera
तीर्थव्रतोद्यापन यज्ञकर्म मया सहैव प्रियवयं कुर्या:।
वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति वाक्यं प्रथमं कुमारी।।
Meaning: In the first round, the couple attests to one another’s sustenance. Together, the bride and groom pledge to share all home chores and to put food on the table every day.
-Second Phera
पुज्यौ यथा स्वौ पितरौ ममापि तथेशभक्तो निजकर्म कुर्या:। वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचनं द्वितीयम ।।
Meaning: In the second round, the couple recognises their goodness in each other’s accomplishments. They pledge to challenge one another to advance their spiritual, mental, and physical growth.
–Third Phera
जीवनम अवस्थात्रये मम पालनां कुर्या:।
वामांगंयामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचनं तृ्तीयं।।
Meaning: In the third round, the couple seek blessings from God for their financial stability. They ask for wealth and wellness from God.
-Fourth Phera
कुटुम्बसंपालनसर्वकार्य कर्तु प्रतिज्ञां यदि कातं कुर्या:।
वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचनं चतुर्थं।।
Meaning: This is one of the most crucial promises in the seven promises of Saath Phere. In this, the couples vouch to shield each other in every situation and promise togetherness in times of sorrow, sickness, health, or celebration. They will stay in harmony to fight every problem together.
- Fifth Phera
स्वसद्यकार्ये व्यवहारकर्मण्ये व्यये मामापि मन्त्रयेथा।
वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रूते वच: पंचमत्र कन्या।।
Meaning: In the fifth round, the couple seek blessing for a healthy and happy family. They pray to God to bless them with children and keep the couple capable of fulfilling their family needs in every way.
- Sixth Phera
न मेपमानमं सविधे सखीनां द्यूतं न वा दुर्व्यसनं भंजश्चेत
वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रवीति कन्या वचनं च षष्ठम ।।
Meaning: In the sixth round, the couple binds to treat each other with nothing but love and respect. They vouch to be available for each other in every problem and offer help.
- Seventh Phera
परस्त्रियं मातृसमां समीक्ष्य स्नेहं सदा चेन्मयि कान्त कुर्या।
वामांगमायामि तदा त्वदीयं ब्रूते वच: सप्तममत्र कन्या।।
Meaning: In the seventh round, couples should try their best to explore the true meaning of friendship and togetherness. It will enable them to seek comfort in each other and avoid loathe moments ever.
These seven Pheras are the most significant in any Hindu marriage. These customs hold high respect in Hindu culture and no marriage is considered valid without these traditions.
Leave a comment below what are your thoughts on these Hindu traditions.
