Hindu Marriage Vows: We've all seen the image of the bride and groom taking seven rounds around the fire in the wedding mandap. The priest chants mantras, the groom repeats his vows, and the bride silently bows her head. This ritual, familiar from childhood, seems so normal that few have ever wondered: are the seven vows the same for both? And if so, why isn't the bride given the opportunity to express her consent? Hindu marriage is not just a social bond, but a lifelong spiritual commitment. Central to this commitment is Saptapadi, meaning seven steps and seven vows. However, the truth, hidden beneath the layers of tradition, society, and religion, is often different. Today, we try to understand this question with Bhopal-based astrologer and Vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma: Who are the vows for, and what is the story behind the bride's silence?

The Meaning of Saptapadi: Seven Steps, Seven Life Vows
In a Hindu marriage, the seven vows are not just a ritual, but a pledge of partnership on the seven pillars of life. It is believed that marriage is considered complete only after these seven steps. Each round is associated with a value: food, strength, prosperity, happiness and sorrow, children, respect, and friendship. Saptapadi essentially means a promise to walk together in every aspect of life. Therefore, these vows symbolize the shared responsibility of both parties, not just one.

The Seven Vows of a Hindu Wedding and Their Meaning
1. First Vow: Food and Nourishment
In this vow, the bride and groom pledge to jointly fulfill the basic needs of life. Traditionally, the husband is considered the breadwinner and the wife the caretaker of the household, but the underlying theme is family balance.

2. Second Vow: Health and Strength
Both promise to take care of each other's physical and mental health. This vow embodies the promise of being a support in times of hardship.

3. Third Vow: Prosperity and Security
This is a vow of financial stability and security. The husband and wife pledge to live a safe and balanced life together. In modern terms, it symbolizes shared financial responsibility.

4. Fourth Vow: Together in Good and Bad
This is the emotional foundation of marriage: to be together in all circumstances. This vow gives stability to the relationship and builds trust for lifelong companionship.

5. Fifth Vow: Children and Family
It pledges to expand the family, raise children, and pass on values. It is linked to the continuity of lineage and tradition.

6. Sixth Vow: Longevity and Respect
The husband and wife pledge to protect each other's life, health, and dignity. This includes mutual respect and social standing.

7. Seventh Vow: Love and Friendship
The final vow recognizes marriage as not just a social relationship, but a bond of friendship and love. It pledges to remain lifelong partners.

Are the seven vows for both?
According to religious texts, the seven vows apply equally to both the bride and groom. They take the oath together in front of a fire. Marriage is considered a partnership, not a subordination. Although interpretations vary due to traditional roles—the husband being the breadwinner, the wife being the homemaker—the fundamental philosophy remains one of equality. Today, these vows are understood in a gender-neutral way, with both spouses sharing all responsibilities.

The Bride's Silent Consent: Tradition or Patriarchy?
The biggest question is: when the vows are both, why doesn't the bride express her consent verbally? From a religious perspective, there is no rule requiring the bride to remain silent. Classical interpretations consider the consent of both partners essential. However, social traditions gradually changed this. In ancient societies, a woman's modesty and silence were associated with ritual. It was believed that a bride's bowing of her head and remaining silent signified her consent. If she spoke loudly, she would be considered unruly or impulsive. This thinking became a ritual for generations. Thus, silent consent is more a result of social mentality than religious rule.

The Promise of Equality
Today, marriage is seen as a partnership. In many weddings, the bride also recites the vows, or both men recite them together. This shift is increasingly evident in urban marriages. Scholars believe that the core spirit of Saptapadi is equality, cooperation, and friendship. While traditional roles were distinct, the purpose was a shared life. Therefore, in the modern context, the seven vows are considered gender-neutral vows.

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