Atithidevo Bhava (Sanskrit:अतिथिदेवो भव), translated asA guest is akin to God, embodies the traditionalIndian Hindu-Buddhist philosophy of treating guests with the reverence accorded to deities. This principle extends beyond the customary greeting ofNamaste (I bow to the divinity in you) used universally in these cultures.[1]
The phraseAtithidevo Bhava is derived from the Sanskrit words:
Atithi (अतिथि) – meaningguest[2]
Deva (देव) – meaninggod[3]
Bhava (भव) – meaningto become orto consider as[4]
A common misspelling of this phrase isAtithi Devo Bhava, which incorrectly inserts a space betweenAtithi andDevo, altering the intended grammatical structure in Sanskrit. However, this incorrect spelling has gained popularity, particularly due to its usage in tourism campaigns and media.
The mantra originates from theTaittiriya Upanishad, Shikshavalli I.11.2, which states:[5]
This translates to:
Each of these phrases (Mātṛdevo bhava,Mitradevo bhava,Pitṛdevo bhava,Putradevo bhava,Ācāryadevo bhava, andAtithidevo bhava) is a single word formed as aBahuvrihisamāsa (compound word).[6]
InSanatana Dharma, a personal deity is worshipped through a five-step ritual calledPanchopachara Puja. A more elaborate version,Shodashopachara Puja, consists of 16 steps.[7] The five steps of worship translate into essential formalities when receiving guests:
Fragrance (Dhupa) – Ensuring the room has a pleasant aroma creates a welcoming environment.
Lamp (Dipa) – Traditionally, a lamp was placed between the host and guest to illuminate expressions and body language.
Eatables (Naivedya) – Offering guests fruits, sweets, or milk-based dishes.
Rice (Akshata) – Applying aTilaka, often made of vermilion, on the guest’s forehead with rice grains symbolizes unity.
Flower offering (Pushpa) – Presenting a flower as a token of goodwill, symbolizing sweet memories of the visit.
India attracts millions of tourists annually.[8] To enhance the experience of foreign visitors, the Indian Ministry of Tourism launched theAtithi Devo Bhava campaign under the broader theme ofIncredible India.[9]
The campaign focuses on promoting hospitality values among tourism industry stakeholders such as taxi drivers, tour guides, immigration officers, and police personnel. It aims to ensure that tourists feel safe, welcomed, and respected throughout their stay in India.