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सप्तपदी
Saptapadi
Sanskrit wedding vows (Seven Sacred Steps) Hindu marriage rituals

The Sanskrit wedding vows - known as the Saptapadi (सप्तपदी) or Seven Sacred Steps - are central to traditional Hindu marriage rituals. These are spoken as the couple takes seven symbolic steps together around the sacred fire (Agni), representing seven promises or prayers.

The Saptapadī mantras (Seven Steps) are spoken or chanted by the priest (purohit), and the groom typically repeats them (sometimes with the bride following).

  1. १. प्रथम पदि
    Prathama Padi
    Step One

    एकम् इषे एकपदि भव।
    समञ्जत्वा अनुव्रतत्वा च।
    ekam iṣe ekapadi bhava.
    samañjatvā anuvratatvā ca.
    With the first step, we pray for nourishment and a life free from want. May we walk this path together in mutual respect and harmony.
  2. २. द्वितीय पदि
    Dvitīya Padi
    Step Two

    ऊर्जे द्विपदि भव।
    समञ्जत्वा अनुव्रतत्वा च।
    ūrje dvi-padi bhava.
    samañjatvā anuvratatvā ca.
    With the second step, we seek strength - physical, mental, and spiritual. May we grow strong together in body and resolve.
  3. ३. तृतीय पदि
    Tṛtīya Padi
    Step Three

    व्रताय त्रिपदि भव।
    समञ्जत्वा अनुव्रतत्वा च।
    vratāya tri-padi bhava.
    samañjatvā anuvratatvā ca.
    With the third step, we vow to earn and prosper together honestly. Let us share our worldly goods with love through righteous means.
  4. ४. चतुर्थ पदि
    Caturtha Padi
    Step Four

    मयो भवाय चतुर् पदि भव।
    समञ्जत्वा अनुव्रतत्वा च।
    mayo bhavāya catur-padi bhava.
    samañjatvā anuvratatvā ca.
    With the fourth step, we seek mutual happiness and harmony in life. May joy and laughter fill our home.
  5. ५. पञ्चम पदि
    Pañcama Padi
    Step Five

    पशुभ्यः पञ्चपदि भव।
    समञ्जत्वा अनुव्रतत्वा च।
    paśubhyaḥ pañca-padi bhava.
    samañjatvā anuvratatvā ca.
    With the fifth step, we pray for the welfare of all living beings and our future family. May we be blessed with wise and kind-hearted children and community.
  6. ६. षष्ठ पदि
    Ṣaṣṭha Padi
    Step Six

    ऋतुभ्यः षट् पदि भव।
    समञ्जत्वा अनुव्रतत्वा च।
    ṛtubhyaḥ ṣaṭ-padi bhava.
    samañjatvā anuvratatvā ca.
    With the sixth step, we promise to care for each other through every season of life. May we remain true in all circumstances, in unity and loyalty throughout life..
  7. ७. सप्तम पदि
    Saptama Padi
    Step Seven

    सखा सप्तपदि भव।
    सखायौ सख्यं ते गमेयम्।
    sakhā sapta-padi bhava.
    sakhāyau sakhyaṃ te gameyam.
    With the seventh step, we become true lifelong friends and partners. May we walk together always in love, loyalty, trust, faith and joy.

अन्त्याशीर्वादः
Antyāśīrvādaḥ
Final blessing

Blessings such as the following are spoken by the groom as a final declaration. (Couples increasingly recite modified or translated blessings together, especially in bilingual, interfaith, or modern Hindu weddings.)

त्वया सह सप्तपदानि सम्पूर्णानि।
अनेन सख्येन अद्यारभ्य अस्माकं जीवनयात्रा एकत्वेन स्थापिता।
स्नेहेन मिलित्वा, प्रेम्णा भाषमाणा, आत्मैक्यं धारयित्वा,
वयं सौख्यं, शान्तिं च प्राप्त्यै प्रयताम।
tvayā saha sapta-padāni sampūrṇāni.
anena sakhyena adyārabhya asmākaṁ jīvanayātrā ekatvena sthāpitā.
snehenā militvā, premṇā bhāṣamāṇā, ātmaikyaṁ dhārayitvā,
vayaṁ saukhyaṁ, śāntiṁ ca prāptyai prayatāma.
You have completed the seven sacred steps with me.
From this day forth, our journey of life is established in oneness.
Let us walk united in affection, speak in love, and uphold spiritual unity,
striving together toward joy and peace.
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