Vedic Indians laid great stress on the virtue of hospitality. Even their beloved god fire is called a guest or atithi in the Rigveda. In another verse it is considered a sin to take food without feeding a hungry person. In the Atharvaveda feeding a guest, without hatred or doubt, is considered as meritorious as performing a sacrifice. The Brahmins consider feeding a guest as meritorious as worshipping God Himself, and prescribe that a great goat or a barren cow should be killed for a distinguished guest. It is stated in the Katha Upanishad that if in anyone's house a Brahmin guest abides without food, that Brahmin guest destroys hope, expectation and result of holy association, sweet discourse, sacrifices and charities, sons and cattle of that man of little intelligence.
In the Sutras hospitality becomes one of the five daily duties of a householder. It was brahmanas and guests. A preceptor, a sacrificial priest, the father-in-law and a king were considered specially deserving of hospitality.
(Last Updated on : 10-09-2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Festivals
|
|
|
| • | Meghalaya Temple Festivals
Meghalaya Temple Festivals are tribal in nature and reflect their deep-rooted culture and tradition of the state. Each of these temple festivals plays a crucial role in the lifestyle of the people, fortifying cultural unity and heritage.
| | | • | Indian New Year Festivals
Indian Religious Festivals are the manifestations of Indian culture and the outburst of religiosity through the associated revelry. Different sects, communities, and regions of India celebrate New Year according to solar or lunar calendar, and also during harvests
| | | • | Arunachal Pradesh Temple Festivals
Arunachal Pradesh temple festivals are celebrated all across the year and are related to the tribal lifestyle. These festivals not only represent the social unity of the state but also mirror the cultural ethnicity among the people.
| | | • | Gujarat Temple Festivals
Gujarat Temple Festivals include big fairs within the temple grounds that attract thousands of people. These festivals not only reflect the cultural heritage of the people of this state but also mirror the social ethnicity of the natives.
| | | • | Karnataka Temple Festivals
Karnataka Temple Festivals are some of the occasions that involve all sects of the society in amicable mood. Besdies having religious significance, these temple festivals also reflect the cultural and social ethnicity of the people of this state.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
