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Atithi Devo Bhava
Atithi Devo Bhava means that guest is God and should be treated like a deity. Athithi devo bhava (ADB), which means, The guest is God is Indian tourism's version of the customer satisfaction slogan, customer is king, once preached by Peter Drucker. It is the verse in the Taittiriya Upanishad that says "Matru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Acharya devo bhava, Atithi devo bhava". Means One should worship Mother,Father, Teacher and Guests as God.
This is sanskrit verse taken from ancient Indian scriptures which were codifying the social customs and cultures evolved by learned and wise people which later on became"code of conduct"for Indian society.In atithi devo bhav emphasis was given in codifying a procedure of Host-Guest relationship.
Atithi means Guest Tithi in sanskrit means a date. In ancient time when means of communication were limited and it was not possible to anticipate date of arrival of guest the word "Atithi" was coined to depict a visiting person who had no fixed date of arrival or departure.
God is person
In Hinduism God is worshiped in 5 Step worship or 16 step worship this is known as Panchopchar Poojan and Shodshopchar Poojanrespectively. These five steps in Panchopchar Poojan are
- 1.Dhoop,means fragrance
- 2.Deep,means lamp
- 3.Naivaidya,means eatables
- 4.Akshat means rice
- 5.Pushp means flower
The Shodshopchar Poojan is simply elaboration of all these 5 steps and is detailed into a 16 step ritual.
These Five Steps are actually five formalities that shall be observed while receiving guest.
- 1.Dhoop or fragrance-While receiving guest we must see that rooms have pleasant fragrance,because this is the first thing that attract or distract your guest.A pleasant fragrance will put your guest in good humor.
- 2.Deep or lamp-In ancient time when there was no electricity a lamp was put between host and guest so that expression and body language remain clearly visible and there is no gap between host and guest.
- 3.Naivaidya or eatables-Fruits and sweets made of milk were offered to guest.
- 4.Akshat or rice-It is symbol of being undivided.A tilakmade by paste of vermilion is put on forehead and rice grains are sticked on it.This is highest form of welcome in hindu Indian families.
- 5.Pushp means flower-Offering a flower has always remained a gesture of goodwill since dawn of civilization.When the guest depart the flower is like sweet memories that haunt him for several days.
This healthy tradition of Indian Hospitality is still in vogue in India.It attracts millions of tourist every year.Taking advantage of this Tourism Department of India has started compaign of Atithi devo bhav under the theme The Incredible India.
See Also
