Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt took 4 pheras instead of 7; the significance of 4 pheras in Indian marriage

The beautiful and intimate wedding of Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt took the town by storm with its glamour and simplicity. Everyone absolutely loved seeing the lovebirds engage in a minimalistic wedding ceremony that hosted only 28 people. More interestingly, Alia Bhatt’s brother Rahul Bhatt recently commented that the pandit who was a regular at the Kapoors’ ceremonies, insisted on Ranbir and Alia doing 4 pheras instead of 7. What seems to be unfamiliar, actually holds great significance in Indian marriage customs.

Pheras hold a very significant role in Indian marriage ceremonies. 7 pheras are the 7 promises the groom and bride make to each other for all their eternity together. These pheras hold the newlyweds in a sacred bond that ties them together as each other’s spouses in all situations of life. Every Hindu wedding has at least 4 pheras and these pheras hold a special meaning and are related to the 4 Purusharta or big pearls of wisdom of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Dharma means the right way of living life and dedicating yourself to the truth. Dharma helps humans to stray toward the right path and find out their objective in life, which also helps them be better human beings. Dharma also brings stability, order, righteousness and harmony to yourself.

Artha is the security of having all the comfort you require to live in peace. It also denotes a positive way of thinking where one is content with what they have. Artha is also the need and right to have enough materialistic assets to provide for yourself and your family.

Kama is primal human desire and pleasure. Kama includes sexual pleasure, love, and enjoyment in your life that is induced with passion and intimacy. Kama, if indulged in the right quantity can help one to find their Dharma. But, if it becomes more, negative feelings like greed, lust, and addiction take over.

Moskha is all about who you truly are. When you adhere to other forms of life and are on par with your Dharma, you become disciplined, ignited by a mind of purity and patience. You no longer care to live a life chasing luxuries, hurting others or expecting things far beyond your reach. You slowly embrace your inner self and be happy with what you have.

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