Offering hospitality is fundamental to Hindu culture and providing food and shelter to a needy stranger was a traditional duty of the householder. The unexpected guest is called the atithi, literally meaning "without a set time." Scripture enjoins that the atithi be treated as God. It was especially important to extend hospitality towards brahmanas, sannyasis and other holy people. There are many stories regarding the benefits of offering a suitable reception and the sins that accrue from neglecting one's guests. Tradition teaches that, no matter how poor one is, one should always offer three items: sweet words, a sitting place, and refreshments (at least a glass of water). The flower garland is offered to special guests and dignitaries, as a symbol of loving exchange. Vedic literature also enjoins that one should treat visiting enemies so well that they will forget their animosity. A graphic example is that of the warrior class who would fight during the day and in the evening socialise with adversaries.

IN ANCIENT WORLDS...
Now is a good time to introduce myself to you. I have been a member of AW for around a couple of years and have found it to be such an amazing place to visit. So much so, that I have created other personas because of my interest in other parts of the ancient world. I dont think it will ever be possible to limit myself to just one world, so I have been exploring a number of them. My goal is to have one persona for each world. And the adventure has taken me to Mesopotamia where I am Kishra Etana. This is my original persona... Then in Egypt I have chosen to reside as Nafretiti Nitiqret, I am Maya Tupac in the Americas, Elenwe Yngling in Germania, Atria Maximus in Rome and of course Im here in the Orient as Dhanishta Kanishka. Please do enjoy visiting each of these quality homes and I hope you get something wonderful out of each one...

IN REAL LIFE...
In RL I am called Dhanishta. I live in the Great Southern land known as Gondwana (Australia). I enjoy artistic pursuits, nature, cosmic stuff and anything to do with the ancient world, especially gods, ancient weapons and warriors. I also like to collect ancient swords, bows & weapons.

WHAT I LOOK LIKE..

For being part of the 2007 Lunar Festival Kite Contest which blew everyone away with its fantastic kite creations


May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold ~ And at the end of all your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.


Im now officially a certified hero in Hellas




Deities and demons quiz in the orient - my score 8/10


My score - a lousy 2/10. I think I was too distracted by what was up the kilt...




...and they say pigs cant fly...

Here are some of the beautiful gifts I have received...

May There Always be Bread in Your Home...


Two Beautiful treasures from FlowerSong.

A gift from Shanti's Spice Shop


A very Wise Gift


A beautiful gift from Bóthan na Mhbeach-The Bee Shack in Tara


This beautifully decorated basket with yummy goodies is a gift from Helia Lupus as is the gorgeous easter egg below...