Honoring a guest holds significant importance in Hinduism, especially for a householder. The Hindu scriptures elevate the guest to the status of God, as highlighted in the Taittiriya Upanishad (1.11). Among the five daily sacrifices (panchamahayajnas) prescribed for a householder, the fourth one, known as manusha-yajna, involves the feeding and caring for guests.
Definition of 'Atithi'
The term ‘atithi’ has various interpretations, but it generally refers to a guest who arrives unexpectedly, without regard to the specific date (tithi) on the lunar calendar. It can also denote any unknown person who arrives in the evening seeking food and shelter for the night.
Traditional Hospitality Practices
In Hindu tradition, the master of the house is expected to engage in several practices to honor and welcome a guest:
- Welcoming the Guest: The householder should greet the guest warmly upon arrival.
- Washing the Feet: The guest’s feet are washed as a sign of respect and purification.
- Offering a Seat: The guest is given a seat, symbolizing their honored position in the household.
- Waving a Lamp: A lamp is waved before the guest, a ritual often associated with welcoming divinity.
- Providing Food and Drink: The host offers food and drink to satisfy the guest’s hunger and thirst.
- Providing Comfort: Items such as a bed and other necessities for rest and comfort are provided.
Priority of Guests
Certain guests are given precedence over others, including:
- Brahmacharins (students): Individuals in the student phase of life, dedicated to learning and spiritual study.
- Sannyasins (renunciants): Those who have renounced worldly life for spiritual pursuits.
- Learned and Pure Individuals: Scholars and people of high moral character.
Honoring and feeding these individuals are seen as especially virtuous acts.
Seeing Off the Guest
When the guest is ready to leave, it is customary for the householder to accompany them part of the way, as a gesture of respect and goodwill.
Treatment of Heretics and Sinners
If guests are identified as heretics or sinners, traditional hospitality rules suggest not entertaining them in the same manner. However, out of basic human compassion, they may be provided with uncooked food items to ensure they do not leave completely unattended.
This framework for treating guests highlights the deep-rooted values of respect, hospitality, and charity in Hinduism, reflecting a culture that sees divinity in the service of others.