NCERT Class 6 Sanskrit Deepakam: Chapter 9 — नवमः पाठः । अतिथिदेवो भव

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026 · Last updated 10 Aug 2026 · Reading time 2 minutes

This chapter, 'Atithidevo Bhava' (The guest is like God), from the NCERT Class 6 Sanskrit Deepakam textbook, emphasizes the profound importance of guests in Indian culture. It highlights that not just humans, but even other living beings are treated as cherished guests. The chapter illustrates this concept through the story of Radhika, who joyfully cares for a mother cat and her four kittens as special guests. She names them Tanvi, Mridi, Shabala, and Bhima, noting their unique characteristics. Radhika diligently provides milk for the mother cat and approaches the kittens with gentle affection. Her grandmother teaches her the Upanishadic saying, 'Atithidevo Bhava,' explaining that guests should be treated as deities. Radhika internalizes this lesson, repeating the mantra and encouraging the kittens to do the same, thereby learning the true spirit of hospitality and respect for all beings.

Quick info

Learning outcomes

• Understand the significance of guests in Indian culture.
• Learn the meaning and application of 'Atithidevo Bhava'.
• Appreciate the concept of treating all living beings with respect and hospitality.
• Identify and describe the characteristics of the cat and her kittens.
• Practice Sanskrit vocabulary related to hospitality and animals.

Vocabulary

Practice questions

1. भारतीयसंस्कृतौ कस्य महत्त्वम् अस्ति? Answer: भारतीयसंस्कृतौ अतिथीनां महत्त्वम् अस्ति।
2. 'अतिथिदेवो भव' इति कुतः वचनम् अस्ति? Answer: 'अतिथिदेवो भव' इति उपनिषदः वचनम् अस्ति।
3. राधिकायाः गृहे के विशिष्‍टाः अतिथयः आसन्? Answer: राधिकायाः गृहे एका मार्जारी तस्याः चत्वारः शावकाः च विशिष्‍टाः अतिथयः आसन्।

NCERT Class 6 Sanskrit — Deepakam — Chapter 9 — नवमः पाठः । अतिथिदेवो भव. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.