THE VEDIC RITUAL OF SAPTAPADI (SEVEN STEPS ) IS ESSENTIALLY PERFORMED BY BRIDE AND BRIDE GROOM DURING LAGNA CERMONY IN A KASHMIRI PANDIT MARRIAGE .

                                                                                 

THE VEDIC RITUAL OF SAPTAPADI (SEVEN STEPS ) IS ESSENTIALLY PERFORMED BY BRIDE AND BRIDE GROOM DURING LAGNA CERMONY IN A KASHMIRI PANDIT MARRIAGE .

After performing  the four  Circumambulations ( Parikrama ) of the sacred fire , the Bride and Bridegroom also perform SAPTAPADI (  Moving Seven steps)  so as to establish an everlasting matrimonial bond . These seven steps are taken near the sacred fire .Here fire is an indestructible witness to the union . This is a different ritual and has not to be confused with Circumambulations of the sacred fire. it is a common Practice  to perform one  Parikrama for Ganesha , three for Shiva and four for Vishnu .Kashmiri Pandits perform  four Circumambulaions  before performing SAPTAPADI.  

The ends of their clothing (the bridegroom’s scarf and upper garment of the bride) are tied together by the priest (signifying marriage knot). Some priests advise them to hold each other's hand instead of tying Garments .Then both stand facing each other .

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Together they recite the Mantra :

“May the first step lead to food that is both nourishing and pure.

May the second step lead to strength at the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels.

May the third step lead to prosperity.

May the fourth step lead to all round happiness.

May the fifth step lead to progeny noble and virtuous children.

May the sixth step lead to long life.

May the seventh step lead to friendship through harmony, understanding.”

Now The bridegroom recites a Mantra :

“Having completed the seven steps, be thou my life long companion. Mayst thou be my associate and helper in successful performance of the duties that now devolve upon me as a householder. May we be blessed with many children who may live the full duration of human life!”

Now The bride recites the Mantra :

“I adore God, the unifier of hearts. Now that I am leaving my parents’ home for my husband’s, I pray that He may keep us perpetually united! With these offerings I pray for Long life for my husband and for the prosperity of all our relations! “

Finally The bride and the bridegroom recite the Mantra :

“Let us be devoted to each other. Let us share each other’s joys and sorrows, wish each other well and look upon each other with love . May we live happily listening to sweet words for at least a hundred years”

( Autar Mota )

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