Just as children are given their food first, these dogs, as well as birds, cows, etc., are first given their food and sweets, if any; and thereafter the beggar-guests, daridranarayana (God in the guise of the poor) , who wait outside, are given their doles of food; and lastly Maharshi, his guests and inmates of the Asram take the remaining food. Whether it is coffee or candy, cake or other cooked food these ‘children’ must be served first.