http://ourwedding.in Wedding Portal Saturday Sunday Wedding en-us Copyright (c) 2007 All rights reserved. http://www.ourwedding.in/ourwedding.0.0.1/blogs/blogposts.php?ID=46 Sat,21 Jul 2007 1:03:13 http://www.ourwedding.in/ourwedding.0.0.1/blogs/blogposts.php?ID=46 http://www.ourwedding.in/ourwedding.0.0.1/blogs/blogposts.php?ID=45 The Seven Circumambulations Together around the holy fire (Agni)The bride and groom walk seven Circumambulations together to signify the beginning of their journey through life together. A pink cloth is draped over the bride  shoulders and tied to the groom  shoulder cloth. Then the couple walk seven circumambulations together around the holy fire (Agni).Fire or Agni is considered sacred and vows taken in front of Agni are considered to be unbreakable - with Agnideva (God of fire) as the witness as well as to seek his blessings.Each circumambulation represents a marital vow:First Circumambulation: Let us take this first Circumambulation vowing to keep a pure household; avoiding things injurious to our health.Second Circumambulation: Let us take this second Circumambulation vowing to develop mental, physical, and spiritual powers.Third Circumambulation: Let us take this third Circumambulation with the aim of increasing our wealth by righteous means.Fourth Circumambulation: Let us take this fourth Circumambulation to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.Fifth Circumambulation: Let us take this fifth Circumambulation to pray for virtuous, intelligent, and courageous children.Sixth Circumambulation: Let us take this sixth Circumambulation for longevity.Seventh Circumambulation: Let us take this seventh Circumambulation to vow that we will always remain true companions and life-long friends.Having exchanged these vows of love, duty, respect, fidelity and a fruitful union the couple agree to be companions forever. The process of saat phere acquires more significance in that the couple prays for the peace and well being of the entire universe.After each saying a mantra at each of the seven steps, the couple say these words together:""Now let us make a vow together. We shall share love, share the same food, share our strengths, share the same tastes. We shall be of one mind, we shall observe the vows together. I shall be the Samaveda, you the Rigveda, I shall be the Upper World, you the Earth; I shall be the Sukhilam, you the Holder - together we shall live and beget children, and other riches; come thou, O sweet-worded girl!" Fri,29 Jun 2007 6:45:24 http://www.ourwedding.in/ourwedding.0.0.1/blogs/blogposts.php?ID=45