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.)