Nachiketa and Yama

Vajashravas, a wealthy sage, performed a great sacrifice to gain divine favor. However, he was giving away only old and barren cows. His young son, Nachiketa, noticed this insincerity and asked, 'Father, to whom will you give me?' Irritated by the repetitive question, Vajashravas snapped, 'I give you to Yama, the God of Death!' Taking his father's words as a command, Nachiketa traveled to the abode of Yama. Finding Yama absent, the boy waited at the gates for three days without food or water. Upon returning, Yama was impressed by the boy's devotion and offered him three boons. For his first boon, Nachiketa asked for his father's peace of mind and forgiveness. For the second, he asked to learn the sacred fire sacrifice that leads to heaven. For the third, Nachiketa asked the ultimate question: 'What happens to a person after death?' Yama initially tried to tempt the boy with worldly riches and long life, but Nachiketa remained firm, seeking only the truth. Impressed, Yama taught him the secret of the Atman—the eternal soul that is neither born nor dies—leading Nachiketa to spiritual liberation.

“The soul is neither born, nor does it die; it is unborn, eternal, and everlasting.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Nachiketa and Yama?

The story teaches that the soul is eternal and that one should seek spiritual knowledge over material desires. It highlights that the path to truth requires discipline and a firm mind.

Which Upanishad contains the story of Nachiketa?

The story of Nachiketa and his dialogue with the God of Death is found in the Katha Upanishad, one of the primary Mukhya Upanishads.

What were the three boons Nachiketa asked for?

He asked for his father's peace of mind, knowledge of the fire sacrifice that leads to heaven, and the secret of what happens to the soul after death.

Why did Nachiketa go to the abode of Yama?

Nachiketa's father, in a fit of anger, told his son he would give him to Death. To keep his father's word true, Nachiketa traveled to Yama's realm.

What did Yama teach Nachiketa about the soul?

Yama taught that the soul (Atman) is birthless, deathless, and eternal. It is the indwelling spirit that remains unchanged even when the body perishes.

How did Yama test Nachiketa's resolve?

Yama offered Nachiketa kingdom, wealth, beautiful celestial beings, and a long life to distract him from asking about the secret of death, but Nachiketa refused them all.