Part 9 - Differences in the mode of receiving Atithis

The significant change that has come to existence during the period of Dharmaśāstras is that the gradation and discrimination brought in by the Varṇāśrama system in the society is very much reflected in all the facts of social activities. And the atithi-saparyā is not an exception. In the Dharmaśāstras or Smṛtis we come across many strictures and measures which show a clear usage to establish the Varṇa system of social order. We can see many discriminations and differences caused by the “varṇa” a particular individual belongs to, in the practices and customs related to the ritualistic reception of atithis.

According to Gautama Dharmasūtra, a non-Brahmin is never an atithi of a Brahmin.^[1] But, when a non–Brahmin came on the occasion of a sacrifice, he has the right to get proper treatment as an atithi.^[2] Kṣatriyas are also considered as atithis, however they should be fed only after the Brahmins. As a part of atithi-saparyā, others like vaiśya, śūdra, etc. should be fed together with one’s servants.^[3] A Brāhmaṇa shall not mention his own name and family for enjoying one’s hospitality. One uses his name and family details for food, such persons are called Vāntāśi (one who eats the vomit) by the wise.^[4] A kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, friends, preceptor etc. are not considered as an atithi in a Brahmins house.^[5] Likewise vaiśya, śūdra, friend, preceptor are not considered as an atithi in a kṣatriyas house. Kṣatriya in the same caste or an excellent brāhmaṇa is taken for an atithi in kṣatriya’s house. Similarly Brāhmaṇa and kṣatriya are considered as an atithi in a vaiśya’s house but śūdra is not considered as an atithi in a vaiśya’s house. Even when a kṣatriya arrives as an atithi at a brāhmaṇa’s house, the gṛhastha shall receive him and give food only after the reception of brāhmaṇātithis.^[6] Vaiśya and śūdra, are directed to be treated with compassion in the company of servants (ie. after offering food for upper caste guests etc.).^[7] This is because even vaiśya and śūdra are not considered as an atithi in Brahmins house, but it is the duty of all the householders to give food when one who arrive with hunger. The atithis of different varṇas including Brahmin etc. are welcomed to the gṛhasthas home after the Vaiśvadeva sacrifice. To the extent possible even edible items are to be so arranged that the order of the varṇas of the recepients are taken into considertion. One should receive his atithi who arrives in the evening with humble speech and offer him shelter, bed and water.^[8]

Another significant change in treating atithis according to varṇas on the progressive side, is seen in Dharmasūtras to Smṛtis. Dharmasūtras don’t accept non-Brahmins as an atithi to a Brahmin, but Manusmṛti, says to accept Kṣatriya as an atithi in Brahmins house. A significant shift in treating atithi is seen in Smṛti period. Even though the significance attributed to each varṇa in the varṇāśrama system is seen in atithi-saparyā, those who came hungry, were always given food irrespective of varṇa.