Shot by Studio Beunique, Ahmedabad

Whether married or not, all of us have heard about the Saat Pheras. Getting into the details, it is the seven circles that a couple takes around the sacred fire under a gorgeously adorned mandap. This significant ceremony marks the ultimate union of a bride and groom and proclaims them as husband and wife.

However, it is not just taking seven rounds around a sacred fire that binds them in the matrimonial bond but also the promises that they make to each other while doing these circumambulations. Each phera comes with a different promise that the bride and groom vow to each other in order to lead a blissful marital life. The priest recites those promises in Sanskrit and asks the couple to repeat after him. He then explains the significance and meaning of all the seven vows while conducting the ceremony.

But we’re sure, most of you are still unaware of the meaning of saat phere. So after fluttering your hearts with some beauteous phera ceremony photos, and sharing some creative ways to get amazing phera photos, today we explain to you all the real meaning of saat phere!

Saat Phere & their Meaning

First Phera

Groom: "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman"
Bride: "Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet"

The first round of pheras is all about promising each other nourishment, prosperity, and happiness. The groom promises, "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman" which means that he would provide her happiness and food, and take care of her nourishment. The bride complies by enchanting "Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet." She promises to look after him and his family and pledges to share responsibilities by helping him look after the home, food, and finances.

Second Phera

Groom: "Om oorje jara dastayaha"
Bride: Kutumburn rakshayishyammi sa aravindharam”

In the second phera, the couple prays to God for physical and mental strength to lead a blissful life. The groom recites “Om oorje jara dastayaha” to seek strength from the god so that they can protect their house and children'. The bride reciprocates by saying "Kutumburn rakshayishyammi sa aravindharam” which means that she will be by his side as his courage and strength at every step in life, and encourage him in all his ventures. In return, she asks the groom to love her solely.

Third Phera

Groom: "Om Rayas Santu Joraa Dastayaha"
Bride: "Tava Bhakti as Vadedvachacha"

In the third phera, the couple prays to God for wealth and the bride promises that she would be loyal in this matrimonial union. The groom vows, "Om Rayas Santu Joraa Dastayaha,"  which means, "I will work hard to become wealthy, provide good education to our children and prays that may our children live long." On the other hand, the bride promises to her husband that she will love him devotedly and all other men will be secondary to her. She enchants, "Tava Bhakti as Vadedvachacha."

Fourth Phera

Groom: "Om Mayo Bhavyas Jaradastaya ha"
Bride: "Lalayami Cha Pade Vadet"

In the fourth phera, the couple vows to shower each other with immense happiness and respect. The groom thanks his wife by saying, "Om Mayo Bhavyas Jaradastaya ha" which means that he is thankful to his bride for making his life sacred and beautiful. He further prays that may they be blessed with obedient children. In return, the bride promises the groom that she will shower him with joy and happiness from head to toe. She recites, "Lalayami Cha Pade Vadet."

Fifth Phera

Groom: "Om Prajabhayaha Santu Jaradastayaha"
Bride: "Arte Arba Sapade Vadet"

The fifth phera is taken to beget obedient & noble children, and to pray for the couple together prays for the welfare of all living entities in the universe. They also make individual promises to each other to lead a loveful life. The groom recites, "Om Prajabhayaha Santu Jaradastayaha" and declares his wife as his best friend and his dearest well-wisher. He expresses gratitude for her enriching presence in his life and hence seeks blessings for her from the god. On the other hand, the bride promises to trust and love him until her last breath. She also pronounces that his happiness will be her happiness. The fifth phera the bride takes is, "Arte Arba Sapade Vadet."

Sixth Phera

Groom: "Rutubhyah shat padi bhava”
Bride: "Yajna Hom Shashthe Vacho Vadet"

In the sixth phera, the groom asks, "Rutubhyah shat padi bhava,” that translates to "You have filled my heart with immense happiness by taking these six steps with me. Will you fill my heart with happiness by walking with me like this forever?" To this, the bride replies, "Yajna Hom Shashthe Vacho Vadet," which means "I will stand by you forever and always keep you happy."

Seventh Phera

Groom: "Om Sakhi Jaradastayahga"
Bride: "Attramshe Sakshino Vadet Pade"

In the seventh and the last step together, the couple seals the bond and promise to be faithful companions. The groom declares each other as man and wife by reciting, "Om Sakhi Jaradastayahga."  He also promises to his wife "I am yours and you are mine for eternity." The bride accepts this proclamation and says, "Attramshe Sakshino Vadet Pade". This means, "As God is the witness, I am your wife now. We will love, honor and cherish each other forever."

Aren't these vows absolutely soul-stirring?

Medha Chawla

Author, WeddingBazaar

Follow