Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 7
Aditi’s Lament and Kaśyapa’s Instruction of the Payo-vrata (Milk Vow) to Please Keśava
गृहेषु येष्वतिथयो नार्चिता: सलिलैरपि । यदि निर्यान्ति ते नूनं फेरुराजगृहोपमा: ॥ ७ ॥
gṛheṣu yeṣv atithayo nārcitāḥ salilair api yadi niryānti te nūnaṁ pherurāja-gṛhopamāḥ
Les maisons d’où les hôtes s’en vont sans être honorés ne fût-ce que par l’offrande d’un peu d’eau ressemblent aux trous des champs, demeures des chacals.
In a field there may be holes made by snakes and mice, but when there are very big holes, it may be supposed that jackals live there. Certainly no one goes to take shelter in such homes. Thus the homes of human beings where atithis, uninvited guests, are not properly received are like the homes of jackals.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a home becomes inauspicious when guests are not respectfully received—even a basic offering of water is considered essential in Vedic hospitality.
In the narrative on Aditi’s vow and devotional observances, Śukadeva highlights foundational dharma—simple, sincere hospitality—as a sign of purity and auspicious household life supportive of bhakti.
Offer respectful attention and simple care—welcome, water/refreshment, and kind words—so that one’s home remains a place of dharma, gratitude, and devotional culture.