Atithi Devo Bhava (alternatively Atithidevo Bhava) means The guest is equivalent to God or Be

one for whom the guest is God' is a Sanskrit verse, taken from an ancient Hindu scripture which
became part of the code of conduct for Hindu society. Atithi Devo Bhava regards a procedure of the
host-guest relationship.
Had I not personally experienced this firsthand it would have probably just been one of those many
things people say but never really practice. SO it all goes back to a sweltering summer day in
Rajasthan circa July 2009. I had been riding from Mumbai to Ladakh and other parts of Himachal and
Jammu and Kashmir since the past 5 weeks having covered over 5700 kms. I was on the last leg of my
journey and passing through one of the hottest places in India known as Sriganganagar, which lies in
Northwestern Rajasthan. The temperature that day was a high of 48 degree Centigrade viz. 118
degrees Fahrenheit! In this sapping heat sometime at some point in time a little beyond noon, I
stopped by at a vendor selling lemonade.
Whilst sipping on to my drink, I casually inquired about the route to Bikaner which was my planned
destination for the ride that day. Just at that point in time there was this middle aged gentleman who
heard my question and clearly looked like a local resident (from his apparent comfort with the heat),
paid up and asked me if I was riding down to Bikaner while pointing towards my motorcycle. I replied in
the affirmative in a fairly nonchalant manner as I was tired of explaining to people that yes, I was
riding solo, that too all the way from Mumbai and that I had been at it for 5 weeks, yes 35 crazy days!
He was a really polite person and probably guessed by lack of interest in starting off another
conversation along these lines. His next question was quite quirky! He asked whether I had had lunch. I
was quite taken aback and said that I was yet to have it. He informed me that there will not be too
many options outside Sriganganagar and that I should be eating something as it was near lunch time
and also that it was a hot day, not that it needed to be reminded separately at all! I thanked him for his
advice without any real intention of paying heed to it and what he said next really took me by surprise.
He invited me to join him at his residence for lunch! Imagine inviting an unknown biker to your house,
wonder how many would do that, like really! I was too stunned to even react. I muttered awkward
thanks and tried to verbally back off and escape that invite. While doing so, I just happened to call him
bhaiyya (elder brother). He smiled at me benevolently and simply announced to me that since I had
referred to him as my brother, I better have lunch with him. He went on to add that it is a small town
and that his family home is just 5 minutes away. To date, I do not know why but on an impulse I
agreed! Clearly, being a grown up 6 footer plus person reduces trepidation of unknown gentle people
and to his credit, he really did seem genuine in all his concern.
I was asked to follow his motorcycle and true to his word in the next 5 minutes, we were parked
outside a sprawling sandstone bungalow. He helped me park my bike on the center stand and started
to remove my bag. I asked him if it is okay to leave my luggage tied to the motorcycle. He said that it
was perfectly okay and we walked on to the porch and rang the bell.
A minute later a middle aged woman, I immediately guessed her to be his wife opened the door and
ranted off as to what took him so long and that everyone at home was waiting for him to start lunch. At
that point in time his wife realized there is some guest (this bearded and tanned not so gentle looking
man with you) as well and immediately apologized and folded her hands in a 'namaste (an Indian
greeting). I reciprocated with the same greeting. Soon we were seated in the living room when his
mother and daughter came over and we exchanged greetings. His mother asked me to freshen up and
I went over and washed my hands and face. She then told me to take a quick shower as I looked very
tired! I felt very awkward and she chided me and inquired if i wont allow her enough time to cook a
couple of her specialties! I was completely taken aback from her generosity towards a complete
stranger and obediently agreed to her suggestion. I walked out of the house and grabbed a change of
clothes and toiletries. As i walked back into the house she asked me what sweet would I like to eat.
Again, i declined and she simply announced that since I was not being helpful she will prepare
something that she loves to gorge on and announced her favorite to be gulab jamuns. A nice 10
minutes of bathing ensued and later i felt refreshed and stepped out of the shower.
I was made to sit on the chairperson seat of their dining table and the lady of the house walked in with
an 'aarti' (a plate with ceremonial offerings, normally made for Gods) in hand. My curiosity got the
better of me and I asked her why this gesture to which she replied, Atithi Devo Bhava and I could
barely conceal my tears of happiness at such warmth and generosity. Post a quick prayer we sat down
to eat a simple meal of delectable home cooked cuisine. To this day I remember not what I ate save
the gulab jamuns, but I maintain that this has been, is and will remain the most special 'daawat'

(luncheon) that I shall ever be treated to during my life. Just thinking of it gives me Goosebumps and
brings a smile to my eyes.
Long live humanity :)
PS: After the lunch, I was not allowed to venture out of the house till 4:00 pm as the effects of Loo
could create havoc with my health as i was informed. I sat with them and took a power nap and finally
I picked up my things and touched the lady's feet calling her grandmother (I still do not know why i
called her so). She hugged me tightly and said take care and call once i reach my destination
(Bikaner). Waving a final good bye i bent down to pick my bag, it felt heavier than before... :)