Atithi or Guest Reception (study)
by Sarika. P. | 2022 | 41,363 words
This page relates ‘Treatment of Atithi in Vedas’ of the study on Atithi-Saparya—The ancient Indian practice of hospitality or “guest reception” which, in the Indian context, is an exalted practice tracable to the Vedic period. The spirit of Vedic guest-reception (atithi-saparya) is reflected in modern tourism in India, although it has deviated from the original concept. Technically, the Sanskrit term Atithi can be defined as one who arrives from a far place with hunger and thirst during the time of the Vaishvadeva rite—a ceremony that includes offering cooked food to all Gods.
Treatment of Atithi in Vedas
The Vedic literature including Saṃhitas, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas and Upaniṣads, and Epics (Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata) contain various instances of narratives on the treatment of atithi. Vedas and Epics describe various customs and rituals in treating an atithi. There are due changes in appeasing an atithi, as time progressed forward from the Vedic period.
Vedas are divided in to four parts namely, Saṃhitas, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas and Upaniṣads.[1] All these parts, taken together constitute and contribute to the essence of Vedas. Each of them got formulated and developed in different time periods. Hence the nature of ritualistic practices also have undergone evolution, along with the elaboration of Vedic literature. Same is the case with the treatment of atithi also.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Saṃhitas, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas and Upaniṣads are the four majour divisions of Vedas. Saṃhitas are collections of mantras comprising prayers and beautiful descriptions of nature as well as sacrificial ritual. Mantras and praises for yāgas are included in Saṃhitas. Brāhmaṇas detailed the meaning and significance of the mantras, modes and conducts to be followed in the yāgas. Āraṇyakas narrate more of upāsanas. Upaniṣads teach mystical and philosophical elements of Vedas.