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Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Seven steps in a marriage





Last week my grand daughter went to attend a marriage. After she came home she asked me  the significance of many rituals,which she  had observed closely for the first time. I explained to her all about the different rituals.Suddenly she said,"Why were the bride and the groom walking round the fire?" I knew this question was coming. I clarified that the marriage  is not complete without the bride and groom going round a holy fire seven times. These nine rounds are called seven 'Pheras'. Each phera has a significance:-
1. In the first round the couple prays to God to give them  plenty of provisions to maintain a family.
2 The second phera is a prayer to God to give them physical, mental and spiritual strength.
3. This round is for prosperity so that they may lead a comfortable life
4. This phera is  a prayer to God to enable them to have great regard and respect for the seniors of the family.
5. The fifth phera is for progeny. They pray that they may have healthy, and well mannered children.
6.The sixth step is a prayer  for good health for both of them so that they can lead a a life without any worries.
7. The seventh step is a pledge by the bride and groom that they will always be loyal, respectful and sincere to each other.
   Only after the couple completes the seven steps,they are declared  husband and wife. Then both of them take the blessings of the seniors in the family, for a happy and prosperous wedded life.



Today is the third day of the seven days festival of words and I am participating in it.           pic courtesy google
                                    
WTFestivalofWords




















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47 comments:

  1. Saru Singhal3 September 2013 at 05:47

    The blissful seven. Beautiful post Ma'am.

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    Replies
    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:17

      Thank you Saru/ Your comments are valuable for me.

      Delete
  2. Kajal Kapur3 September 2013 at 07:00

    That's nice to have explained the seven vows. Thanks so much !

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  3. Rama Ananth3 September 2013 at 07:57

    Thanks for explaining so well the seven pheras in a marriage. Everything is done with some meaning, we only don't bother to know them, and just do as instructed. And the pandits too don't bother to explain these things in simple language, for everybody is in a hurry.

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    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:21

      Thanks Rama. It is true nobody tries to understand the meaning and significance of the rituals.

      Delete
  4. S. Susan Deborah3 September 2013 at 09:05

    What a meaningful and metaphorical ritual! Most of them don't know why they are circling the pheras seven times. Thanks for this detail explanation, dear Usha. Have a great day.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:24

      Yes Susan, every one is in a hurry.No one tries to know the meaning of any of the rites.

      Delete
  5. S. Susan Deborah3 September 2013 at 09:10

    What a meaningful and metaphorical ritual! Most of them don't know why they are circling the pheras seven times. Thanks for this detail explanation, dear Usha. Have a great day.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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  6. Unknown3 September 2013 at 09:16

    All the rituals have been put into place for our well-being, but people don't bother to explain their significance. Worse, they try to force obedience on others in the name of rituals. It's good that you are sharing the meaning behind some of them - For the scientific generation of today, it's important to understand anything before accepting it!

    Destination Infinity

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    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:26

      Yes Rajesh, you are correct.No one is interested in knowing the significance of all the rites.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous3 September 2013 at 11:07

    Beautiful post! Loved the explanation for each of the seven promises. The priests these days don't stress on explaining the meaning of the rituals. During my sister-in-law's wedding we had a wonderful priest, who took the pain to explain each and every ritual. The rituals are lovely only when presented with logical explanations. Thank you Ma'am! :-)

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  8. C Suresh3 September 2013 at 12:19

    Uhoh! Usha! This is one of my posts too and already written and kept as draft :) Let me hope that it is enough different so it does not qualify as plagiarism :)

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    Replies
    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:31

      Suresh, I am eager to read your post. I am confident it will be a hit!!

      Delete
  9. Shilpa Garg3 September 2013 at 12:47

    It is interesting to know about the pheras once again. I remember the punditji who married us explained the significance of the 7 pheras to us! :)

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    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:33

      Thank you shilpa. Very few pundits explain them.

      Delete
  10. Suzy3 September 2013 at 13:52

    Thanks for explaining the pheras. Such a beautiful ceremony.

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  11. Karan Shah3 September 2013 at 14:16

    thank you for explaining me the vows...it surely will help me when i decide in my plight :)

    you can check out my post here:-
    Karan - Grand Mother

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    Replies
    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 15:38

      Thanks Karan.At that time you must listen to the Pandit carefully and not be in a hurry!

      Delete
  12. sulekkha3 September 2013 at 16:44

    WOW...I just took seven pheras without knowing the real story, sounds so nice to hear the story behind the ritual.

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    1. Unknown3 September 2013 at 16:58

      Happy to know that you have understood the meaning now.

      Delete
  13. Rajlakshmi3 September 2013 at 17:12

    thanks for sharing the meaning of all the pheras :) Although I have heard so much about them.. never truly knew it's meaning.

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  14. Panchali3 September 2013 at 20:19

    Beautiful post, Usha. How totally enchanting are these seven vows!In Bengal, we call them 'sapta-padi'. :)

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  15. Unknown3 September 2013 at 20:39

    Thank you Usha for reminding the holy meaning of sat pheras.I believe after every ten years, couples should renew their vows & celebrate lifelong companionship once again.

    http://sailorswiferamblings.blogspot.com/2013/09/seven-smells-to-smile.html

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  16. Jasmeet3 September 2013 at 21:06

    Thanks sharing such beautiful moments and vows i was never knew their meaning :)
    will keep that in my favourite list..i am still a damsel and waiting for big day!! hee hee

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    1. Unknown4 September 2013 at 17:27

      Jasmeet,these tips will come handy to you. All the best.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous3 September 2013 at 21:15

    Beautifully explained to the cute and innocent questions asked. I was largely ignorant of Saat Pheras. Guess, that should appease my rebellious quest of not getting married.

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    1. Unknown4 September 2013 at 17:30

      Thanks Vishal.Best of luck.Hope you get a life partner soon.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous3 September 2013 at 23:15

    I never knew the meaning of the Pheras either. Thanks for explaining. :)

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  19. Ruchira Khanna4 September 2013 at 01:03

    beautiful insight into pheras that I took years ago :)

    Loved it!

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    1. Unknown4 September 2013 at 17:33

      Thank you Ruchira.Hope the tips will guide the youngsters.

      Delete
  20. Unknown4 September 2013 at 01:47

    It's one beautiful ceremony and such deep meaning!

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  21. Unknown4 September 2013 at 03:07

    That's such a wonderful theme to pick up, Usha ji!

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  22. Afshan Shaik4 September 2013 at 12:54

    I never knew the secret of seven vows !

    Felt good reading it

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  23. rudraprayaga4 September 2013 at 15:05

    The seventh step should be scripted in bold letters an underlined for the youngsters of today.Well-written.

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    Replies
    1. Unknown4 September 2013 at 17:38

      Hope the youngsters will benefit from this. Thanks Sarala.

      Delete
  24. Reshma5 September 2013 at 04:45

    You have explained the most important aspect of Indian wedding very beautifully Ushaji :) Brought back memories of my own wedding last year :)

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    Replies
    1. Unknown5 September 2013 at 12:38

      Thank you Reshma. I am happy that you appreciated my interpretations. All the best to you and your hubby for a long and happy married bliss.

      Delete

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