kathopanishad-1-1-7-vaiśvānaraḥ

Commentary by Swami Krishnananda of the great Divine Life Society

Vaiśvānaraḥ praviśaty atithir brāhmaṇo gṛhān: tasyaitāṁ śāntiṁ kurvanti, hara vaivasvatodakam (1.1.7): Commentators say that this verse, this particular half passage, is actually the words spoken by the queen of Yama. The queen speaks, say the commentators of this passage, to pacify this new guest. “He is burning like a flame because of no attention being paid to him. May he be satisfied. Bring water immediately. Wash his feet, make him seated, and offer him gifts so that his anger may subside and you will have peace. For three days this boy has been standing here without anyone’s knowledge. He will destroy all your good deeds and all your belongings. All your future will be in ruins if you do not treat him properly. Bring water.”