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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





















47 comments:

  1. The blissful seven. Beautiful post Ma'am.

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    1. Thank you Saru/ Your comments are valuable for me.

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

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

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

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

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

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  9. 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. Thank you shilpa. Very few pundits explain them.

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  10. Thanks for explaining the pheras. Such a beautiful ceremony.

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

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  12. 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. Happy to know that you have understood the meaning now.

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

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

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

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

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  19. beautiful insight into pheras that I took years ago :)

    Loved it!

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

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  20. It's one beautiful ceremony and such deep meaning!

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

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  22. I never knew the secret of seven vows !

    Felt good reading it

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

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    1. Hope the youngsters will benefit from this. Thanks Sarala.

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  24. 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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    1. 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.

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