Katha Upanishad 1.7
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वैश्वानरः प्रविशत्यतिथिर्ब्राह्मणो गृहान्। तस्यैतां शान्तिं कुर्वन्ति हर वैवस्वतोदकम्॥
vaiśvānaraḥ praviśatyatithirbrāhmaṇo gṛhān | tasyaitāṃ śāntiṃ kurvanti hara vaivasvatodakam ||
"When a Brahmin guest enters a house like fire, the householder must offer him water and a seat. Bring water, O Vaivasvata (Yama)!"
What This Means:
Nachiketa arrived at Yama's house, but Yama was away. For three nights, the boy waited without food or water - a serious breach of hospitality.
Going Deeper:
A guest is considered sacred, like fire entering the home. Neglecting a guest brings misfortune. Yama's servants remind him of this duty.
How To Apply This:
Honor your guests. In Indian tradition, "Atithi Devo Bhava" - the guest is God.
#hospitality#duty#tradition