Nachiketa

Story of Nachiketa from Kathopanishad

Kathopanishad, an ancient Hindu scripture, tells the story of a wise and curious boy named Nachiketa. He was just five years old but full of questions and wisdom.

One day, Nachiketa’s father, Sage Vajashrava, was performing a sacred ritual (Yajna), where he had to donate his most valuable possessions to priests. However, he was offering old, weak cows that could no longer give milk and were of no use. Seeing this, Nachiketa became concerned.

Questioning His Father
Nachiketa asked his father, “Father, in a Yajna, one must donate their dearest possessions. If I am your dearest, whom will you donate me to?”

At first, Vajashrava ignored him. But when Nachiketa kept asking the same question repeatedly, his father got angry and said, “You are always full of questions! I donate you to Yama, the teacher who can answer all your questions.”

Journey to Yama’s Home
Obeying his father, Nachiketa went to Yama’s home. Yama, the god of death, was not at home, and the gatekeepers asked Nachiketa to return. However, Nachiketa was determined and waited at Yama’s doorstep for three days without food or water.

When Yama returned, he was surprised to see a young boy waiting at his door. He was impressed by Nachiketa’s patience and persistence. As a reward, Yama offered him three boons (wishes).

Nachiketa’s Three Boons

1.    First Boon: “When I return home, may my father lovingly embrace me.”

2.    Second Boon: “Teach me a method to overcome sorrow and attain happiness.” Yama explained a special ritual called the “Nachiketa Yajna.”

3.    Third Boon: “What is the secret of life?”

Yama offered Nachiketa material riches instead, but Nachiketa remained firm in his desire to learn the truth about life.

The Secret of Life
Yama explained, “Our body is like a chariot. Our senses are the horses, the mind is the reins that control them, and the intellect is the charioteer. The soul is the master of the chariot. One who understands the soul understands the meaning of life.”

Satisfied with the answers, Nachiketa returned to his father.

Thus, the story from Kathopanishad teaches us the importance of curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the value of patience and determination.