Sapta Padi

03/24/08

Today's topic is  'Sapta Padi', an important ritual during a Hindu marriage, which it is said, is not complete without the Sapta Padi. It means 'seven steps' which the bride and groom take, walking together, as the Priest recites the Mantra-s, and the two repeat. Seven lines or mounds of rice/turmeric, are drawn/made, which are dismantled by the new couple, step after step. The Mantra-s and the meaning of those seven steps are:

Step 1 : 'Ishta Eka Padee Bhava  -  Saamaa Manuvu Taabhava.'
      Assist me  in the fulness of my desires.  Also implies, availability of ample  wholesome  food at home, for health and welfare.
Spep 2 :  'Oorjay Dvipadee Bhava  -  Saama  Manuvu  Taabhava.'
      Assist me in attaining enlightenment.  Also implies mutual cooperation for physical and emotional wellbeing.
Step 3 :  'Raaya  Spoashaaya  Tripadee Bhava  -  Saama Manuvu  Taabhava'
      Assist me in acquiring affluence. Also implies, mutual respect and prosperity, ensuring enuf for family needs.
Step 4 :  'Maayoe  Bhaiyyaaya Chatushpadee Bhava  -  Saama Manuvu  Taabhava'
  Assist me in possessing happiness.  Also implies, understanding and caring for mutual happiness.
Step 5 ;  'Prajaabhyaaha  Panchapadee Bhava -  Saama Manuvu Taabhava'
      Assist me in obtaining progeny. Also implies, personal duties and responsibilities and caring for all.
Step 6 :  'Rithubhyaaha  Shatpadee Bhava  -  Saama Manuvu  Taabhava'
     Assist me in adhering to principles and righteousness. Also implies, mutual respect for each other's  families.
Step 7 :  'Sakhaa Saptapadee Bhava  -  Saama  Manuvu  Taabhava'
      Assist me in maintaining friendly togetherness.  Also implies,  mutual friendship, affection  and  forgiveness.

      Such good affirmations are made by one to the other, between the life-partners.
But unfortunately, promises are made without understanding a word of it !  Because, they are made in Sanskrit  which most people do not know.  This is the most unfortunate and undesirable aspect of our Hindu rituals.  The Priest goes on reciting Vedic Mantra-s, and we do the physical part of it, occasionally saying 'Mumaa', whenever we are asked to say so.  I wish some learned Priest  writes down all the Mantra-s  recited during the wedding, and renders meanings  and  explanations, and publishes a  book, for those interested  (if not already available).

    Well, that is the significance of the Sapta Padi ritual. We do not know whatever other promises the groom and bride mutually make, without knowing a word of it.  (Or, is it that  they better know not, for they may feel like refusing some ! )