Doesn’t it look so dreamy when you see your loved ones getting married? Especially when you shower them with flowers and blessings during their pheras. But have you ever wondered why Hindu couples take seven pheras around agni during their wedding?

Well, it’s not just a quirky tradition, but a meaningful ritual that binds them in love, promises, and commitment. In a Hindu wedding, the couple circles the agni seven times, each round representing an important vow and a life goal they promise to pursue together. Let’s break down what each phera symbolizes:

1. First Vow:
The groom promises, 'om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman,' meaning, 'You will offer me food and be helpful in every way. I will cherish you and provide welfare and happiness for you and our children.'
The bride responds, 'dhanam dhanyam pade vadet,' pledging, 'I am responsible for the home and all household, food, and finance responsibilities.' Together, they promise prosperity through their respective roles.

2. Second Vow:
The groom declares, ‘om oorje jara dastayaha,’ meaning, ‘Together we will protect our house and children.’
The bride promises, ‘kutumburn rakshayishyammi sa aravindharam,’ saying, ‘I will be by your side as your courage and strength. I will rejoice in your happiness. In return, you will love me solely.’

3. Third Vow:
The groom pledges, 'om rayas santu joradastayaha,' meaning, 'May we grow wealthy and prosperous, and strive for the education of our children. May our children live long.'
The bride responds, 'tava bhakti as vadedvachacha,' promising, 'I will love you solely for the rest of my life, as you are my husband. Every other man in my life will be secondary. I vow to remain chaste.'

4. Fourth Vow:
The groom states, 'om mayo bhavyas jaradastaya ha,' meaning, 'You have brought sacredness into my life and have completed me. May we be blessed with noble and obedient children.'
The bride replies, 'lalayami cha pade vadet,' saying, 'I will shower you with joy, from head to toe. I will strive to please you in every way I can.'

5. Fifth Vow:
The groom promises, 'om prajabhyaha santu jaradastayaha,' meaning, 'You are my best friend and staunchest well-wisher. You have come into my life, enriching it. God bless you.'
The bride responds, 'arte arba sapade vadet,' promising, 'I promise to love and cherish you for as long as I live. Your happiness is my happiness, and your sorrow is my sorrow. I will trust and honor you and will strive to fulfill all your wishes.'

6. Sixth Vow:
The groom says, 'Rutubhyah shat padi bhava,' meaning, 'Now that you have taken six steps with me, you have filled my heart with immense happiness. Will you do the kindness of filling my heart with happiness like this for all times?'
The bride replies, 'yajna hom shashthe vacho vadet,' promising, 'I will always be by your side.'

7. Seventh Vow:
The groom proclaims, 'Om sakhi jaradastayahga,' meaning, 'We are now husband and wife and are one. You are mine, and I am yours for eternity.'
The bride replies, 'Attramshe sakshino vadet pade,' meaning, 'As God is witness, I am now your wife. We will love, honor, and cherish each other forever.'

So why 7 pheras? It’s not just a random number; it's a cosmic power! In Hindu weddings, the 7 represents completion, balance, and harmony. From the seven days of the week to the seven sacred rivers, 7 is the number that ties the couple to the universe, nature, and the divine.

Each phera is a promise to nurture their relationship- starting from love and prosperity to spiritual growth. It's about aligning their journey with cosmic forces, with each step marking a deeper connection to each other and the world around them.

In short, 7 pheras = the perfect, timeless bond of love, tradition, and cosmic blessings!