Arrival of guest is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism. All Hindu scriptures contain information on how to welcome a guest. A classic example of how a guest is to be welcomed is mentioned in the Bala Kanda chapter 1 (2). Here, Sage Valmiki welcomes Brahma, the creator, to his ashram.
Upon the arrival of the guest one should stand up and join hands in salutation (Namaste).
Then the guest should be offered water to wash feet. Then water to wash face and mouth. Then water to drink and finally a seat to sit. The Sanskrit terms are padya (washing feet), achamaniya (water to wash mouth), arghya (water to drink) and asana (seat to sit). Please note that as per some texts, arghya is a gift. But generally it is taken as water to drink.
Traditional Method to Welcome a Guest in Hinduism: Expansion with Additional Information
In Hinduism, the arrival of a guest is considered highly auspicious, and they are often regarded as an embodiment of God, famously expressed in the phrase "Atithi Devo Bhava", meaning "The guest is God." This sentiment is rooted deeply in Hindu scriptures and continues to hold importance in modern Hindu practice. The traditional methods of welcoming a guest, as described in the epics and scriptures, involve several steps that embody hospitality, reverence, and gratitude.
Detailed Steps of the Traditional Guest Welcome:
Standing in Salutation (Namaste): Upon the arrival of a guest, the host should stand and greet the guest with joined hands (Namaste or Pranāma), which symbolizes respect, humility, and recognition of the divine presence in the guest. This gesture acknowledges that the guest is to be honored.
Offering Water for Washing Feet (Padya): In ancient Hindu tradition, washing the feet of guests was an essential part of hospitality. It signified not only cleansing but also a symbolic act of respect and humility. In the past, people often traveled long distances by foot, making this gesture practical and considerate.
Water for Washing Face and Mouth (Achamaniya): Offering water to wash the face and mouth was meant to refresh the guest after their journey. Water, symbolically and practically, holds significance in Hinduism for purification and rejuvenation.
Water to Drink (Arghya): After cleansing, water is offered to the guest to drink. This gesture represents the host’s care for the well-being and comfort of the guest. In some texts, the term Arghya can also denote a ceremonial gift, often related to offerings in rituals, but in this context, it typically refers to water for drinking.
Offering a Seat (Asana): Finally, the guest is offered a seat, symbolizing that the guest is now part of the household. It signifies providing comfort and space for the guest to relax after the long journey.
Importance in Hinduism:
The welcoming of guests as per the scriptures underscores the value Hinduism places on hospitality, respect for others, and the acknowledgment of the divine in all beings. The rituals of offering water for cleansing and comfort are symbolic of nurturing both physical and spiritual needs. By treating a guest with such reverence, the host also purifies their own home and heart, gaining religious merit (punya) through seva (service).
In ancient times, when travel was arduous, guests arriving at a home brought news from distant places, and providing them with comfort and shelter was a sacred duty. The hospitality extended to guests also helped build strong social bonds and a sense of community.
Modern-Day Relevance:
While the practice of welcoming guests has evolved, the core values remain relevant in modern-day Hindu society. Offering water for feet washing may not be a common practice in urban settings, but the underlying principles of hospitality continue. Some aspects of this traditional welcome have been adapted:
Namaste: In modern times, the gesture of Namaste remains widely practiced across India and beyond, symbolizing respect and greeting. It has transcended religious boundaries and is now recognized as a peaceful, global greeting.
Refreshments: While washing the feet of guests is rare in urban settings today, offering a drink (often water, tea, or coffee) and a comfortable seat is a common practice. The essence of making the guest feel comfortable and welcome remains the same.
Respect for Guests: Treating guests with respect and ensuring their comfort remains central to Hindu families. The traditional ethos of considering guests as divine visitors encourages a sense of service, humility, and grace, which is still actively practiced.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life:
In everyday life, the Hindu tradition of guest hospitality teaches essential social virtues such as:
- Respect and Reverence: Greeting people warmly fosters mutual respect and promotes healthy social interactions.
- Service and Humility: Offering something as simple as water or food to guests encourages the practice of service (seva) and humility.
- Creating Positive Relations: Honoring guests fosters trust, goodwill, and deeper human connections, which are essential for both personal and societal well-being.
Even today, the welcoming of guests in Hindu households involves offering food, a comfortable place to sit, and ensuring that guests feel at home. These practices reinforce the value of community and connection.
Current Status in Hindu Religion:
The concept of Atithi Devo Bhava remains deeply ingrained in Hindu culture and religion. While traditional rituals may have evolved, especially in modern urban environments, the ethos behind welcoming and honoring guests is still widely practiced across India. The Indian Ministry of Tourism even uses the phrase "Atithi Devo Bhava" in campaigns to promote hospitality in the country, reflecting its cultural significance.
Religious festivals and family gatherings continue to emphasize the importance of treating guests with respect and providing hospitality. In temples and spiritual gatherings, welcoming rituals often incorporate similar gestures, such as offering water and food (Prasadam) to devotees.
Similar Traditions in Other Cultures:
Similar hospitality traditions can be found in various cultures around the world:
- Ancient Greece: The Greeks had a similar belief in hospitality called Xenia, where guests were considered sacred and had to be treated with the utmost respect.
- Islam: Hospitality is emphasized in Islamic teachings, where welcoming and feeding guests is considered a sign of good character and piety.
- Japanese Culture: In Japan, the concept of Omotenashi reflects the idea of selfless hospitality, similar to Hindu ideals of guest service.
The traditional Hindu method of welcoming a guest is not only about ritualistic practices but about cultivating essential human virtues like respect, humility, and service. While these rituals have adapted to modern times, the underlying values of hospitality and reverence for guests remain central to Hindu culture and everyday life. The practice still holds spiritual and social importance, reflecting the timeless nature of the concept that "Atithi Devo Bhava", or treating guests as gods, continues to be relevant in a globalized world.