“Atithi Devo Bhava,” a Sanskrit expression translating to “The guest is akin to God,” encapsulates the traditional Indian ethos of treating guests with the same reverence as one would treat a deity. This phrase delineates a profound ethos governing the dynamics of the host-guest relationship, emphasizing the significance of hospitality and kindness.
Origin and Significance
The phrase finds its roots in the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shikshavalli I.11.2, urging individuals to view the Mother, Father, Teacher, and Guest as divine entities: “matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava, atithidevo bhava.” Essentially, it advocates treating guests with the same respect accorded to God. The term “Atithi” in Sanskrit denotes someone without a predetermined schedule, emphasizing the unexpected and spontaneous nature of guests, who should be welcomed at any time.
Rituals and Customs
Practically, “Atithi Devo Bhava” is manifested through welcoming rituals. These include offering a fragrant room (Dhupa), lighting a lamp (Diya), presenting fruits and milk-based sweets (Naivedya), applying Tilak on the forehead with rice grains or Akshata, and offering flowers (Pushpa). These rituals aim to honor the guest and cultivate a warm and inviting ambiance.
When a guest arrives, there are certain rituals associated with welcoming them:
- Dhupa: Dhupa is the ritual offering of incense during puja to an image of a deity, or other object of veneration⁹. It is also the Sanskrit word for incense or perfume itself⁹. The rooms must have a pleasant fragrance because this is the first thing that attracts or detracts guests from their visit. A pleasant fragrance will put a guest in good humor¹.
- Diya: Diya is a lamp that is lit during the puja ritual⁶. Prior to the electrification of India, a lamp was put between the host and guest, so that expression and body language would remain clearly visible, and therefore no gap would be created between host and guest¹.
- Naivedya: Naivedya, meaning “sacred food,” is a tradition that involves offering freshly prepared food to deities as an expression of gratitude, love, and surrender¹¹. The holy ritual involves two steps. The first step involves offering food to God before anyone else has eaten or tasted it. In the second step, a portion of the offering is returned to the person offering it for eating and is called Naivedya¹⁴.
- Akshata: Akshata refers to the unbroken and uncooked rice grains offered to the deity during pujas and other such religious ceremonies³. It is a symbol of being undivided. A tilak, often made of a vermilion paste, is put on the forehead, and rice grains are placed on it. This is the highest form of welcome in Hindu Indian families¹.
- Pushpa: Pushpa is the flower offering. A flower is a gesture of goodwill. When the guest departs, the flower symbolizes the sweet memories of the visit, which stay with them for several days¹.
Influence on Culture and Tourism
This concept profoundly permeates Indian and Nepali culture, shaping its warm and hospitable societal fabric. Indian people take pride in extending utmost respect and care to their guests, embodying the values espoused by “Atithi Devo Bhava.”
Recognizing the cultural significance, the Tourism Department of India has adopted “Atithi Devo Bhava” as a campaign slogan. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of tourism and educate individuals about the importance of respectful behavior towards tourists. By reinforcing the cultural norm of treating guests as divine entities, the campaign strives to enhance the welcoming experience for inbound tourists.
Conclusion
“Atithi Devo Bhava” transcends being a mere phrase; it represents a centuries-old way of life deeply ingrained in Indian society. It serves as a continual reminder of the paramount importance of hospitality and the respect due to guests. As we progress, it remains imperative to uphold and promote these values, ensuring that every guest, much like a deity, feels genuinely welcomed and respected.
