Anumita talks about Saptapadi(1). The groom leads three circumambulations around the fire but from the fourth, the bride leads. Seven vows unite them for seven lives.
May your light precede my footsteps, Allowing me to breathe in your fragrance, Evaporating aroma of cocooned warmth, Living in the aura of your soul… May your light precede my footsteps, Telling me the shameless truths, Bending and twisting bodily twines, Molding the listless spirit… May your light precede my footsteps, Being my father, my husband and my son, Metamorphosing with the beating heart, Layering emotions of all personas… May my light precede your footsteps, Closing the gaps of time and space, Shielding blows of unforeseen shards, Showering you with the light of my own… May my light precede your footsteps, Revealing the mysteries of the untold, Fanning the inner ember of fire beneath, Germinating thoughts in fertile soil… May my light precede your footsteps, Bestowing you refuge for blistered soul, Coaxing to choose among battles wisely, Blaming the jagged edges of your heart… May my light precede your footsteps, Culminating into a kaleidoscope of hues, Evolving with each passing second, Yours and mine give birth to ours.
Image design by Anumita Roy and Different Truths
(1) Saptapadi is a Sanskrit term for seven circumambulations around the holy fire during a Hindu marriage. In Bengali, it’s called Saatpaak.
Anumita Roy is an artist at heart and legal/medical interpreter by profession. She creates word images in her verses and loves to write short stories. Mother of children in the spectrum, she advocates special needs issues in whichever way possible. Born in India, brought up in several countries, makes her a true global citizen. She now lives in the Columbus, Ohio, with her family and follows her passion for writing and advocacy being the Managing Editor of Different Truths.
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Mesmerized my heart. Felt I was right there taking each step in the circumambulations. Beautiful.
Anumita, What a BEAUTIFUL poem!! A window into the symbolic rituals inherent to culture and Hindu marriage. Fortunately, I have been present in Hindu weddings and felt fascinated by its fires and mantra.