Atithir Yasya Bhagnasho — Word-by-Word Meaning
अतिथिर्यस्य भग्नाशो
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अतिथिः
atithiḥ
a guest (one who comes without a fixed appointment)
यस्य
yasya
of whom, from whose
भग्नाशः
bhagnāśaḥ
with hopes broken, disappointed, hopes dashed
गृहात्
gṛhāt
from the house, from the home
प्रतिनिवर्तते
pratinivartate
returns, turns back and goes away
सः
saḥ
he, that guest
तस्मै
tasmai
to him (the householder)
दुष्कृतम्
duṣkṛtam
his own sins, his bad deeds, demerit
दत्त्वा
dattvā
having given, leaving behind
पुण्यम्
puṇyam
merit, the fruit of good deeds
आदाय
ādāya
having taken, carrying away
गच्छति
gacchati
goes away, departs
Complete Translation
The guest who turns back from a house with his hopes broken (turned away unwelcomed) leaves behind for that householder all his own demerits and departs carrying away the householder's merit. The verse warns that to send away a guest disappointed is to lose one's spiritual merit and inherit the guest's sins.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti literature)
Author: Traditional (anonymous wisdom verse)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
Rooted in the Vedic and dharmic ideal of atithi devo bhava — 'treat the guest as God' — this verse belongs to the Subhashita tradition of pithy moral sayings. It dramatises the duty of hospitality by describing the unseen exchange of merit and demerit that follows when a guest is welcomed or, fatefully, turned away with broken hopes, thereby teaching the householder to honour every visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Atithir Yasya Bhagnasho?▼
It means that a guest who leaves a house disappointed (turned away) takes the householder's merit (punya) with him and leaves behind his own demerit (dushkrita). It is a warning about the spiritual loss caused by failing in hospitality.
What does this verse teach about hospitality?▼
It upholds the sacred Indian tradition of atithi-satkara — honouring guests. To welcome and care for a guest brings merit, while turning one away disappointed costs one's own punya, reflecting the ideal 'atithi devo bhava,' the guest is like God.
Where is this verse found?▼
It is a well-known Subhashita from the Sanskrit niti tradition, frequently quoted in teachings on dharma and hospitality and preserved in classical anthologies of moral verses.
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