The Ultimate Guide to Saptapadi: The 7 Hindu Wedding Vows of Marriage

If you're in the throes of planning a Hindu wedding you might find yourself wanting to understand the true meaning of various customs and traditions. Notably, when it comes to saptapadi you might want a refresher on what exactly the seven vows of marriage are in Hindu weddings. Of the Hindu wedding traditions, it's definitely one of the biggest to keep in mind for your celebration.

"Hindu weddings are three days of non-stop celebration. It's not just about the couple... It's about two families coming together, with rituals that go back thousands of years but still feel very much alive and fun," says Elizabeth Urraza, a Hindu wedding specialist at Paradise Weddings. "They're big, vibrant, with endless rituals, delicious food, Bollywood music, and dancing."

But how does saptapadi fit in? What are the seven vows of marriage? If you're looking to incorporate these traditional Hindu vows—which define the journey of partnership, respect, love, and spiritual growth—then we can help start your planning process, even if you're looking for your own Hindu wedding officiant. (Using The Knot Vendor Marketplace, you can filter officiants by religious affiliation to find Hindu officiants in your area.)

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To get you started, we got the expertise of Urraza, along with Pandit Yogesh Joshi, a veteran Hindu wedding officiant, to tell you everything you need to know about the saptapadi meaning. Below, we answer big questions around the seven vows of marriage and how they may be expressed in traditional vs. modern Hindu wedding vows.

In this article: Saptapadi Meaning | What Are the Seven Vows of Marriage in Hinduism? | Example of Traditional Hindu Wedding Vows | Example of Modern Hindu Wedding Vows

Saptapadi Meaning

Saptapadi is a Sanskrit term that literally means "seven steps." Saptapadi is the central ritual in Hindu wedding vows, where the couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire (agni)—each step sealed with a promise.

A Sanskrit term, meaning "seven steps" or "seven paces," it's a visual representation of a couples' journey together. In a Hindu wedding, the couple literally walks around a fire in seven loops, and with each step, takes a vow. It's actually legally recognized in the Hindu Marriage Act in many places.

"Saptapadi is really the heart of a Hindu wedding. The couples take seven steps around a fire. Each step is a promise they make to each other. It's magical to watch," says Urraza.

Joshi, with over 20 years of officiating Hindu ceremonies, explains that saptapadi vows are what bind the couple spiritually and legally. "During the saptapadi ceremony, every vow reflects a core promise. Caring, loyalty, companionship," he says. "Not just for today, but for every lifetime."

Is Saptapadi mandatory?

Although saptapadi is considered a core component of a traditional Hindu marriage, practices do vary by region, family practices, and wedding venue. Some couples even shorten or adapt the ritual—especially if the wedding is interfaith, a destination wedding, or constrained by time. But in most traditional and legal Hindu marriage ceremonies, saptapadi is considered essential for solemnizing the marriage.

When including saptapadi:

• Ensure the fire (agni) is permitted and safe in your venue.
• Make sure the officiant explains each vow to guests, especially if many are unfamiliar with Hindu wedding vows and the specifics of what the 7 vows of marriage entail.
• Consider whether vows should be recited in Sanskrit, English, or bilingually for clarity and inclusivity.

Remember, though, that your wedding is your own. However you choose to plan it, and celebrate in your Hindu culture, like including kanyadaan (where the family gives the bride away), incorporating a Hindu wedding program, or other parts of an Indian wedding traditions ceremony, is totally up to you. And in case you're in need of more Hindu wedding inspiration, check out real wedding vows from couples who blended the traditional saptapadi vows with their own touch.

What Are the Seven Vows of Marriage in Hinduism?

Here is a look at the ins and outs of the 7 vows Hindu weddings generally include. Understanding these details is key to planning a saptapadi ceremony.

What are the seven traditional wedding vows?

They are the seven promises made during saptapadi, accompanying each of the seven steps around the fire.

What is seven janam in Hinduism?

"Seven janam" refers to the belief that spouses are connected across seven lifetimes; these vows are said to honor and sustain a bond that transcends one life.

Why four pheras instead of seven?

Some regional or simplified ceremonies use four pheras due to venue, time, or cultural variations; however, the seven vows of Hindu marriage in their fullest traditional form are given via seven steps or loops (also known as saptapadi).

Example of Traditional Hindu Wedding Vows

Here are the English translations of the seven vows (or seven vows of Hindu marriage) said during traditional Hindu marriage vows. According to our experts, these traditional Hindu wedding vows are often said in Sanskrit. Remember: Both partners often repeat back the same vow to each other.

First Vow

Partner One says: With this step, we promise to share food and nurture each other.
Partner Two says: With this step, we promise to share food and nurture each other.

Second Vow

Partner One: With this step, we vow to grow in strength together.
Partner Two: With this step, we vow to grow in strength together.

Third Vow

Partner One: With this step, we share our wealth and work for prosperity.
Partner Two: With this step, we share our wealth and work for prosperity.

Fourth Vow

Partner One: With this step, we promise to raise a family with love.
Partner Two: With this step, we promise to raise a family with love.

Fifth Vow

Partner One: With this step, we care for each other's health and happiness.
Partner Two: With this step, we care for each other's health and happiness.

Sixth Vow

Partner One: With this step, we promise to be best friends for life.
Partner Two: With this step, we promise to be best friends for life.

Seventh Vow

Partner One: With this step, we pledge love and loyalty through every lifetime.
Partner Two: With this step, we pledge love and loyalty through every lifetime.

Example of Modern Hindu Wedding Vows

What if you're looking to take your own modern spin on your cultural roots? Well, you're in luck, because many couples choose to use modern Hindu wedding vows that have some of the traditional promises of saptapadi but with their personal touches on it.

First Vow

Partner One: I vow to create a warm and supportive home, nurturing our family with care and devotion.
Partner Two: I vow to create a warm and supportive home, nurturing our family with care and devotion.

Second Vow

Partner One: I promise to be your partner in resilience, uplifting you in times of challenge.
Partner Two: I promise to be your partner in resilience, uplifting you in times of challenge.

Third Vow

Partner One: I vow to share in our dreams and efforts, creating a future filled with growth and prosperity.
Partner Two: I vow to share in our dreams and efforts, creating a future filled with growth and prosperity.

Fourth Vow

Partner One: I will honor our families, weaving their love and traditions into our life together.
Partner Two: I will honor our families, weaving their love and traditions into our life together.

Fifth Vow

Partner One: I vow to walk with you as your equal, building a life of love and companionship.
Partner Two: I vow to walk with you as your equal, building a life of love and companionship.

Sixth Vow

Partner One: I promise to nurture our physical and emotional health, ensuring a joyful and balanced life.
Partner Two: I promise to nurture our physical and emotional health, ensuring a joyful and balanced life.

Seventh Vow

Partner One: I promise to share a life of mutual respect and spiritual growth, forever united in love.
Partner Two: I promise to share a life of mutual respect and spiritual growth, forever united in love.