Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
तयोरासनमादाय पादयोरवनिज्य च । अर्हणेनानुलेपेन धूपमाल्यैरपूजयत् ॥ ३८ ॥
tayor āsanam ādāya pādayor avanijya ca arhaṇenānulepena dhūpa-mālyair apūjayat
అతడు వారికి ఆసనాలు సమర్పించి వారి పాదాలను కడిగాడు. తరువాత అర్ఘ్యము, చందనలేపనం, సుగంధ తైలము, ధూపము మరియు పుష్పమాలలతో వారిని పూజించాడు.
FAQs
This verse describes ideal atithi-satkāra: offering a seat, washing the feet, and worshiping with appropriate items like sandal paste, incense, and garlands—treating saintly visitors with reverence.
Washing the feet is a traditional sign of humility and respect, acknowledging the spiritual dignity of the guests and expressing service-minded devotion rather than mere social courtesy.
Receive guests—especially elders, teachers, and devotees—with sincerity: offer a proper place to sit, speak respectfully, and serve in practical ways (water, food, cleanliness), cultivating humility and gratitude.