Talk:Traditional Atithiyajna

By Vishal Agarwal

The Atithiyajna is performed after the Bali Vaishvadeva Yajna has been performed, both times the meal has been prepared (lunch and dinner), in the morning and the evening. However, the very word Atithi means he who does not have a fixed moment of arrival, and therefore, one may offer food, water etc., to the Atithi whenever he arrives at one’s doorstep, or whenever one can find an Atithi to serve.

Having performed this Bali Vaishvadeva offering, he shall first feed his Atithi and, according to the correct procedure, give alms to an ascetic (and) to a student. Manusmriti 3.94

A guest who seeks shelter due to the setting sun in the evening, must not be driven away by a householder; whether he have come at dinner time or at an inappropriate moment, the Atithi must not be housed in the house without pleasant service by the host. Manusmriti 3.105

After feeding the animals, the householder should sit at the entrance of his house with a pure mind for about 48 minutes (= 2 ghatis), waiting for the arrival of an atithi, and eat his own meal. Vyāsa Smriti 3.37

If he sees a traveler who has come from a great distance, who is tired, who desirous of eating food or who is poor, he should go towards him and bring him home with great respect. Vyāsa Smriti 3.38

Whether an atithi arrives in the morning or in the evening, the host should offer him a seat and water, as well as food to the best of his ability after paying him customary respect. Vishnu Dharmasūtra 67.45

The Atithi is not a nuisance or an intrusion in one’s life. He must be received with respect and offered food, water, a seat, pleasantries etc., when he arrives:

When an Atithi shows up, he should be invited with respect and offered a seat. The host should also worship the Atithi by washing his feet. Parāshara Smriti 1.43

The host should offer food to the Atithi, engage him in conversation by asking polite questions. And when the Atithi is ready to leave, the host should follow him to some distance and send him off with love. Parāshara Smriti 1.44