The Saptapadi, often referred to as the "Seven Steps" or "Seven Circumambulations," is a pivotal and sacrosanct component of Hindu weddings, symbolizing the moment a couple's relationship is solidified in the eyes of the divine and their community. This ritual holds profound symbolic and spiritual significance, embodying the principles and commitments that are believed to underpin a successful and sacred marital union.
Saptapadi Mantra Lyrics in Sanskrit and English:
First Step - Pray for Food and Nourishments:
Sanskrit: "ॐ इष एकापदी भव।"
English: "Om isha ekapadi bhava."
Second Step - Pray for Physical and Mental Strength:
Sanskrit: "ॐ ऊर्जे द्विपदी भव।"
English: "Om urje dvipadi bhava."
Third Step - Pray for Wealth and Prosperity:
Sanskrit: "ॐ रायस्पोषाय त्रिपदी भव।"
English: "Om rayasposaya tripadi bhava."
Fourth Step - Pray for Happiness and Harmony:
Sanskrit: "ॐ मयोभवाय चतुष्पदी भव।"
English: "Om mayobhavaya chatushpadi bhava."
Fifth Step - Pray for Progeny:
Sanskrit: "ॐ प्रजाभ्यः पञ्चपदी भव।"
English: "Om prajabhyah panchapadi bhava."
Sixth Step - Pray for Seasonal Happiness:
Sanskrit: "ॐ ऋतुभ्यः षड्पदी भव।"
English: "Om ritubhyah shadpadi bhava."
Seventh Step - Pray for Friendship and Loyalty:
Sanskrit: "ॐ सखा सप्तपदी भव।"
English: "Om sakha saptapadi bhava."
Saptapadi Mantra Meaning in English and Hindi:
Let's explore the meanings of the Saptapadi mantra in a more detailed yet simplified manner, both in English and Hindi.
First Step:
English Meaning: "Together, we will provide for our household, ensuring we have enough to nourish ourselves and lead a healthy life."
Hindi Meaning: "हम साथ मिलकर अपने घर का ध्यान रखेंगे, सुनिश्चित करेंगे कि हमें अच्छी तरह से पोषण और स्वस्थ जीवन मिले।"
Second Step:
English Meaning: "We will support each other physically and emotionally, facing life's challenges together with strength and courage."
Hindi Meaning: "हम एक-दूसरे का शारीरिक और भावनात्मक रूप से समर्थन करेंगे, जीवन की चुनौतियों का साथ में साहस और शक्ति से सामना करेंगे।"
Third Step:
English Meaning: "Together, we will strive to increase our wealth and prosperity through honest and righteous means, ensuring a secure future."
Hindi Meaning: "हम साथ में ईमानदारी और धर्म के मार्ग पर चलकर अपनी संपदा और समृद्धि बढ़ाने का प्रयास करेंगे, एक सुरक्षित भविष्य सुनिश्चित करते हुए।"
Fourth Step:
English Meaning: "We commit to sharing happiness and sorrow, working together to bring harmony and joy into our lives."
Hindi Meaning: "हम खुशियाँ और दुःख साझा करने का वचन देते हैं, हमारे जीवन में सामंजस्य और आनंद लाने के लिए साथ में काम करेंगे।"
Fifth Step:
English Meaning: "We pray for healthy and wise children, committing to their upbringing and education, ensuring a bright future for them."
Hindi Meaning: "हम स्वस्थ और बुद्धिमान संतान की प्रार्थना करते हैं, उनकी परवरिश और शिक्षा के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं, उनके लिए एक उज्ज्वल भविष्य सुनिश्चित करते हैं।"
Sixth Step:
English Meaning: "We will enjoy the different seasons of life together, embracing change and growth in our journey."
Hindi Meaning: "हम जीवन के विभिन्न मौसमों का साथ में आनंद लेंगे, हमारी यात्रा में परिवर्तन और विकास को गले लगाएंगे।"
Seventh Step:
English Meaning: "We pledge to be best friends and faithful partners for life, supporting each other in every endeavor."
Hindi Meaning: "हम जीवनभर के लिए सबसे अच्छे दोस्त और वफादार साथी बनने का वचन देते हैं, हर प्रयास में एक-दूसरे का समर्थन करेंगे।"
Origin of Saptapadi
The origins of the Saptapadi can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Rig Veda and the Grhyasutras, which outline the rituals and ceremonies to be performed during various stages of life, including marriage. The Saptapadi is rooted in Vedic traditions, which place a high value on the institution of marriage as a sacred bond that not only unites two individuals but also two families.
The practice of walking around the fire, with each step representing a specific vow or prayer, is mentioned in these ancient texts as a key ritual in solemnizing the marriage. The fire (Agni) is considered a witness to the vows taken by the couple, with Agni, the god of fire, invoked to bless the union and ensure its purity and sanctity.
Significance of Saptapadi
Each of the seven steps taken by the couple around the sacred fire has a specific promise associated with it, related to various aspects of married life, including prosperity, strength, happiness, children, family, health, and friendship. These steps are not just physical movements but represent the journey of life that the couple embarks upon together. The Saptapadi signifies the following key elements:
Unity: The ritual symbolizes the unification of two individuals as they step into married life together, promising to support and stand by each other.
Commitment: Each step represents a different aspect of life in which the couple pledges their commitment to each other, highlighting the importance of mutual support, love, and respect.
Prosperity and Well-being: The mantras recited with each step pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual prosperity and well-being, seeking blessings for a fulfilling life together.
Family and Offspring: The vows include prayers for the health and wisdom of their future children and for the strength of their family ties.
Companionship: The seventh step, in particular, emphasizes the importance of friendship and loyalty within the marriage, underlining the belief that a strong bond of friendship forms the foundation of a successful marriage.
Cultural and Social Impact
Over time, the Saptapadi has evolved to incorporate regional variations and interpretations, yet its core essence remains unchanged. It is celebrated across various Hindu cultures, each adding its unique customs and traditions to the ceremony, thereby enriching the ritual's significance and beauty.
The Saptapadi continues to be a central element of Hindu weddings, revered not just for its religious sanctity but also for the deep philosophical meanings embedded in the vows. It teaches the newlyweds the importance of walking together through life's challenges, sharing responsibilities, and nurturing their relationship with love, respect, and understanding.
