What Vivaha means
A Hindu wedding unites not only two people but two families, and makes the couple partners (saha-dharmacharini) in dharma, artha, kama and moksha. Agni, the sacred fire, is the witness of their vows.
The essential rites are kanyadaan (the giving of the daughter), panigrahan (the groom taking the bride's hand), the circling of the fire (pheras) and the saptapadi (seven steps), with a vow at each step. After the seventh step the bride and groom are husband and wife: "Be my friend, having taken seven steps with me."
How it is performed
- Ganesha puja and welcome. The groom's party is welcomed; Ganesha and the family deities are worshipped.
- Kanyadaan. The bride's parents give her hand to the groom.
- Panigrahan. The groom takes the bride's hand with Vedic mantras.
- Pheras and saptapadi. The couple circle the fire and take seven steps together, a vow with each.
- Sindoor and mangalsutra. The groom applies sindoor and ties the mangalsutra; the couple see the pole star (Dhruva) as a symbol of constancy.
Mantras
Panigrahan (Rigveda 10.85.36)
गृभ्णामि ते सौभगत्वाय हस्तं मया पत्या जरदष्टिर्यथासः ।
gṛbhṇāmi te saubhagatvāya hastaṃ mayā patyā jaradaṣṭir yathāsaḥ |
I take your hand for our good fortune, that you may live with me, your husband, into old age.
After the seventh step
सखा सप्तपदा भव ।
sakhā saptapadā bhava |
Having taken seven steps with me, be my friend.
Vivaha today
Customs vary enormously across India — but the fire, the joining of hands and the seven steps are common to most Hindu weddings.
Rituals differ by Veda, region, community and family. For the ceremony itself, follow your family priest (purohit).
Frequently asked questions
What are the seven vows of saptapadi?
Traditions phrase them differently; commonly the couple pray together for food and nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, children, long life and the seasons, and lifelong friendship.
Why is the fire central?
Agni is the divine witness of the vows; the couple circle it as they promise to be partners in dharma.
What is kanyadaan?
The rite in which the bride's parents give her hand to the groom, entrusting her to his care and partnership.