What are the seven vows of saptapadī in simple words?

seven steps taken together for food, strength, prosperity, happiness, children, the seasons of life and lifelong friendship.

In the Vedic form, the groom leads the bride seven steps (often over small mounds of rice), saying a short mantra at each: the first for nourishment (iṣe), the second for strength (ūrje), the third for prosperity, the fourth for happiness, the fifth for children and cattle (the household), the sixth for the seasons — a long life together through every season — and the seventh for friendship (sakhā saptapadī bhava): “With seven steps, be my friend.”

That last line is beautiful: the Vedic marriage ends by making husband and wife sakhā, friends. Many North Indian weddings also include “sāt vacan”, seven promises in Hindi that the bride asks the groom to accept — about including her in decisions, respecting her parents, and so on — which come from folk tradition.

Many couples now have the priest explain each step in their own language, or add a personal promise. That keeps the ancient words and makes them truly theirs.

Seventh step: “sakhā saptapadī bhava” — be my friend · Source: Gṛhya Sūtras (e.g. Pāraskara, Āśvalāyana)

Dharma Q&A — family & life events · Ask a Jyotishi your own question