This is the most important part of the marriage ceremony, and only when they walk 7 steps together (i.e. perform Saptha Padhi) the marriage is completed legally. The belief is that when one walks 7 steps with another one becomes the other's friend.

The mantras recited then mean:

"Ye who have walked seven steps with me, become my companion, whereby I acquire your friendship. We shall remain together, we shall share - love, share the same food, share the strengths, the same tastes. We shall be of one mind, we shall observe the vows together. I shall be the Sama, you the Rig, I shall be the Upper World, you the Earth; I shall be the Sukhilam, you the Holder-together we shall live, beget children, and other riches, come thou, O sweet-worded girl!"