In our country, the deep-rooted cultural principle of "Atithi Devo Bhava," which translates to "The guest is God," is the primary reason for the high level of respect shown to guests. This concept, derived from ancient scriptures, emphasizes treating guests with the reverence and care one would offer a deity. This practice is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and influences how guests are welcomed, served, and treated within the home.
अपूजितोSतिथिर्यस्य गृहाद्याति विनिःश्वसन् |
गच्छन्ति पितरस्तस्य विमुखाः सह दैवतैः ||
Apoojitotithiryasya gruhaadyaati vinihshvasan.
Gacchanti pitarastasya vimukhaah sah devataih.
Apoojitotithiryasya = apoojito + atithih + yasya.
Apoojito = not revered.
Atithih = an unannounced guest entitled to hospitality.
Yasya = whose.
Gruhaadyaati = gruhaat + yaati.
Gruhaat = in the home.
Yaaati = goes.
Vinihshvasan = heaving a deep sigh i.e. deeply hurt by the disrespect
shown to him.
Gacchanti = go.
Pitarastasta = Pitarah + tasya.
Pitarah = ancestors.
Tasya = his.
Vimukha = disinclined or opposed.
Sah = together with.
Devataih = Gods.
i.e. In a household if an unannounced guest entitled to proper hospitality is not given due respect and leaves with a sigh of disgust, then its ancestors together with the Gods become disinclined towards it.
In the Indian Society giving proper and due respect to the guests of the household is considered an important duty, and they are even equated as gods (Atithi Devo Bhava). The ancestors of the household are also revered like Gods. Thus this Sanskrit lines indirectly exhorts the people to give due respect to their guests.
By treating guests as honored individuals, Indian culture fosters a positive and inclusive environment that promotes mutual understanding and respect.
