Seven Vows of Marriage


A very important aspect of a wedding is the marriage ceremony in which the bride and the groom take certain vows and oaths while walking the seven steps round the Agnidev as the prime witness. These resolutions are aimed at attaining a sustained bliss in their lifetime co-existence. Today, the sacredness and the significance of this ceremony itself have been lost. Exhibitionism has replaced sanctity of the sacred verses recited since nobody even listens to them, leave aside understanding or practicing them thereafter. If only the couple knew what oaths they are taking, in and through their wedlock, the divorce rate would not be where it stands today. Every wedding has become a “child-marriage” in a sense that the couple hardly know what they are getting into, and what they are choosing to resolve without their knowing. In fact, the couple and the families often tell the Pandit performing the ceremony to go fast and cut-short if possible, since the smoke is affecting the couple’s make-up and the guest are waiting for the food to be served. Does our disgrace have any limit? There is only one marriage so far, which I attended of my ex-student and a dear friend now (Hi Kunti…) in which she insisted that the Sanskrit slokas should be translated into English in a pin-drop silent solemn ceremony, in which no food would be served. All present listened and perhaps wondered if the same vows were taken by them too, since not even one of them was being practiced by them consciously.
My Guru Haribhai Kothari realized this fallacy and wrote a book in Gujarati and Hindi, translating every sloka (oath) taken in a ceremony and explaining its significance in detail. I had the privilege of translating this book into English recently as my offering of gratitude unto Him and the book was released in November last year. It was totally His grace and blessings which made this possible for me to do. I would strongly recommend this book to one and all especially as a Gift with the wedding card, instead of the “dry” fruits or the dentist friendly chocolates we send along. The price of the book is modestly fixed at Rs.100 and can be procured by calling on 9820546347.
Believe me, it is the best gift one can give to oneself / others before any wedding. The name of the book is “Seven Vows of marriage.” You have a choice to save your “make-up” or your “marriage.”
A very Happy New Year to you all – Take Care."


- Anjan Dangarwala

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