Talk:General Hospitality towards non-Atithis

By Vishal Agarwal

Despite the restricted membership of the category of Atithi, there are many others who are served, honored, fed etc., on par with the Atithi-s. In general, hospitality should be extended to everyone, especially to those who are dependent on us.

Even to others, personal friends and so forth who have come to his house out of affection, he may give food, garnished (with seasoning) according to his ability; at the same time with his wife. Manusmriti 3.113

During the third part of the day, let one deliberate upon wealth and the welfare of ‘those who ought to be taken care of’. Daksha Smriti 2.32b

Mother, father, teacher, wife, children, poor, dependents, one who has fallen upon difficult times, an atithi and the sacred fire – these constitute the category of ‘those who ought to be taken care of’. Daksha Smriti 2.33

One’s clan, companions, disabled or injured, orphans, dependents and other poor, these are also included in this category. Daksha Smriti 2.34

They who feed others attain heaven. They who eat alone accrue evil Karma and even go to hell.

The householder should cook for all creatures and feed learned scholars. Not doing so causes him to go to Hell. Daksha Smriti 2.35

By looking after the people in this category, one goes to Heavens; and by causing hurt to them, one goes to Hell. Daksha Smriti 2.36