In the Vedic marriage system, which two acts or rituals were regarded as the most important core ceremonies that solemnised the union?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to ancient Hindu law and ritual practice, specifically the Vedic system of marriage. In traditional texts, certain acts are identified as the essential rites that complete a marriage. Among these, Pani Grahana and Sapta Padi occupy a central status, and knowing their significance helps in understanding how marriage was legally and religiously recognised in Vedic culture.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is the Vedic marriage system.
• Several acts and rituals are listed as options.
• The question asks which two acts were the most important and essential.
• Pani Grahana refers to the taking of the bride's hand, and Sapta Padi refers to the seven steps around the sacred fire.

Concept / Approach:
Dharmashastra literature and traditional practice emphasise that certain rites are indispensable for a marriage to be considered valid. Pani Grahana symbolises the groom formally taking the bride's hand, accepting responsibility for her. Sapta Padi, in which the couple takes seven steps together around the sacred fire with mantras, is often regarded as the central, binding act. Many sources explicitly state that after the seventh step is completed, the marriage becomes irrevocably established. Therefore, when the question asks which two acts are most important, the answer points to these two core rituals together.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify each ritual named in the options: Pani Grahana and Sapta Padi are clearly Vedic marriage rites. Step 2: Recall the meaning of Pani Grahana: the groom formally takes the bride's hand in front of the fire and witnesses. Step 3: Recall the meaning of Sapta Padi: the bride and groom take seven steps around the sacred fire, each step accompanied by a vow. Step 4: Note that traditional texts often state that the completion of Sapta Padi marks the legal completion of the marriage. Step 5: Therefore, the two most important acts together are Pani Grahana and Sapta Padi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Descriptions of Hindu marriage rites in standard works on religion and law emphasise that while many supplementary ceremonies may be performed, Pani Grahana and Sapta Padi are the essential core. Legal interpretations in some modern Hindu personal law decisions also highlight Sapta Padi as a critical marker of marital completion. This independent confirmation supports the answer that both of these acts are considered central rituals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pani-Grahana (taking the bride’s hand) alone: This is indeed a very important act, but the question asks for two core acts, not just one.
Sapta-Padi (seven steps) alone: This is also crucial, yet tradition emphasises the combination of taking the hand and walking the seven steps together.
Recitation of general marriage vows only: While vows are important, Vedic ritual focuses on specific acts associated with the sacred fire rather than only spoken promises.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may think that modern ideas of "marriage vows" are central and might therefore treat generic vows as more important than traditional fire based rituals. Another common confusion is to pick only one of the two acts rather than recognising that the pair of Pani Grahana and Sapta Padi together form the ritual core. Carefully reading that the question asks for "two most important acts" avoids this mistake.

Final Answer:
The two most important acts in the Vedic marriage system are Pani-Grahana and Sapta-Padi performed together.