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Nachiketa (called variously in Samskrit : नचिकेता, नचिकेतः नसिकेत) is a young boy who travels to Yamapuri to know the secrets of Mrityu, whose legend is one of the oldest in Vedic literature. Nachiketa is also mentioned in the Kataka Brahman, which is now part of Taittriya Brahman. The Kathopanishad describes its spiritual significance.  

Nachiketa (appears variously in Samskrit : नाचिकेत, नचिकेतस्''',''' नाचिकेतः, नचिकेता, नचिकेतः नसिकेत) is a young boy who travels to Yamapuri to know the secrets of Mrityu, and his legend is one of the oldest in Vedic literature. Nachiketa is also mentioned in the Kataka Brahman, which is now part of Taittriya Brahmana. The Kathopanishad describes the spiritual significance of Nachiketa and Yama's samvada.  

== व्युत्पत्ति || Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

A small mention about Nachiketa's father, वाजश्रवाः || Vaajasrava (Samskrit : वाजश्रवा) who was also called as औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki,  अरुणिः || Aruni, गौतमः|| Goutama.     

 

 

Nachiketa's father is वाजश्रवसः || Vaajasravas (Samskrit : वाजश्रवाः, वाजश्रवसः)<ref name=":0" /> who was also called as औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki,  अरुणिः || Aruni, and गौतमः|| Goutama.     

वाजम् अन्नं तद्दानादिनिमित्तं श्रवः - यशः, यस्य सः वाजश्रवाः || One who obtains fame by giving away Annam (grains or food) in charity is Vaajasrava<ref name=":023222" /><ref name=":122">Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) ''Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1.'' Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama <nowiki>http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf</nowiki></ref><ref name=":222">Sitarama Sastry. S.(1923) ''Katha and Prasna Upanishads and Sri Sankara's Commentary''. Madras: The India Printing Works</ref>.     

वाजम् अन्नं तद्दानादिनिमित्तं श्रवः - यशः, यस्य सः वाजश्रवाः || One who obtains fame by giving away Annam (grains or food) in charity is Vaajasrava<ref name=":023222" /><ref name=":122">Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) ''Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1.'' Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama <nowiki>http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf</nowiki></ref><ref name=":222">Sitarama Sastry. S.(1923) ''Katha and Prasna Upanishads and Sri Sankara's Commentary''. Madras: The India Printing Works</ref>.     

The names औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki,  अरुणिः || Aruni have been given to Vaajasrava based on the principle of dharmasastras as  द्वामुष्यायणः || Dvaamushyaayana. Dvaamushyaayana is referred to a male child who is born to a brotherless girl given in marriage to the groom with whom a previous arrangement has been made (during marriage) that "the son born to you and this kanya (my daughter) should perform the shraddha karma for us (me and my wife)"<ref name=":023222" /><ref>Dvamushsyaayana context : [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/132007/10/10_chapter%205.pdf See Page 121 referring to Vatsyayana smriti (17.18) in footnote]</ref>. Vaajasrava also obtained the name Gautama as he is born in the lineage of Gautama rishi.     

The names औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki,  अरुणिः || Aruni have been given to Vaajasrava based on the principle given in dharmasastras as  द्वामुष्यायणः || Dvamushyaayana. Dvamushyaayana is referred to a male child who is born to a brotherless girl given in marriage to the groom with whom a previous arrangement has been made (during marriage by the girl's father) that "the son born to you and this kanya (my daughter) should perform the shraddha karma for us (me and my wife)"<ref name=":023222" /><ref>Dvamushsyaayana context : [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/132007/10/10_chapter%205.pdf See Page 121 referring to Vatsyayana smriti (17.18) in footnote]</ref>. Vaajasrava also obtained the name Gautama as he is born in the lineage of Gautama rishi.     

== पाठान्तरम् ॥Pathaantara ==

== पाठान्तरम् ॥Pathaantara ==

While the story of Nachiketa as given in Kathopanishad is discussed and widely discoursed, this episode is also described much earlier in the Rig veda, which are the oldest available texts, where the name Nachiketa is not mentioned, but the rest of the events are described to be congruent with the version given in Kathopanishad.  

While the story of Nachiketa as given in Kathopanishad is discussed and widely discoursed, this episode is also described much earlier in the Rig veda, which are the oldest available texts, where the name Nachiketa is not mentioned, but the rest of the events are described to be congruent with the version given in Kathopanishad.  

Maharshi Vaisampayana relates this story of Nachiketa to King Janamejaya according to [[वराहपुराणम् ॥ Varaahapurana]]<ref name=":023222" />. The story of Nachiketa starts in Adhyaya 193 of Varahapurana<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D sa.wikisource.org/varahapuranam]</ref> with नचिकेतः प्रयाणवर्णनम् ।। Description of journey of Nachiketa (to Yamapuri). Janamejaya asks Vaisamapaya rishi as follows    <blockquote>भगवञ्जायते तीव्रं चिन्तयानस्य सुव्रत ।। कर्मपाकफलं यस्मिन्मानुषैरुपभुज्यते।।६।। (Vara. Pura. 193.6)</blockquote><blockquote>One thought that makes me greatly think is what are the fruits of karma that man consumes (what is the result of good or bad actions).</blockquote>Vaisampayana rishi answering this question says Nachiketa is of one of the blessed people who visited Yamapuri and returned back from there.

Maharshi Vaisampayana relates this story of Nachiketa to King Janamejaya according to [[वराहपुराणम् ॥ Varaahapurana]]<ref name=":023222" />. The story of Nachiketa starts in Adhyaya 193 of Varahapurana<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D sa.wikisource.org/varahapuranam]</ref> with नचिकेतः प्रयाणवर्णनम् ।। Description of journey of Nachiketa (to Yamapuri). Janamejaya asks Vaisamapaya rishi as follows    <blockquote>भगवञ्जायते तीव्रं चिन्तयानस्य सुव्रत ।। कर्मपाकफलं यस्मिन्मानुषैरुपभुज्यते।।६।। (Vara. Pura. 193.6)</blockquote><blockquote>One thought that makes me greatly think is what are the fruits of karma that man consumes (what is the result of good or bad actions).</blockquote>Vaisampayana rishi answering this question says Nachiketa is of one of the blessed people who visited Yamapuri and returned back from there.

=== महाभारतस्था आख्यायिका || Mahabharata ===

=== महाभारतस्था आख्यायिका || Mahabharata ===

Shabdakalpadruma also cites Nachiketa's story in Mahabharata - Anushashana parva (13.71.2 to 21) <ref name=":023222" /><ref>[http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Mahabharata : Anushasana Parva 71 Adhyaya (Slokas 2 to 21)]</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/stream/TheMahabharataOfKrishna-dwaipayanaVyasa/MahabharataOfVyasa-EnglishTranslationByKMGanguli#page/n5125/mode/2up/search/Nachiketa Ganguli, K. M. (English Translation) ''The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana'' Anushasana Parva (Adhyaya 71)]</ref> In the context of Yudhisthira's questioning Bhishma about the merits of making donations of cows, Bhishma recites Nachiketa's story. Similar to the version as given in Varahapurana, there are descriptions Yamapuri including the mansions, rivers and streams of milk and ghee for the enjoyment of righteous persons who have made the gifts of cows. <blockquote>ऋषिरुद्दालकिर्दीक्षामुपगम्य ततः सुतम्। त्वं मामुपचरस्वेति नाचिकेतमभाषत॥ (13-71-3) </blockquote><blockquote>r̥ṣiruddālakirdīkṣāmupagamya tataḥ sutam। tvaṁ māmupacarasvēti nācikētamabhāṣata॥ (13-71-3)</blockquote><blockquote>यानं समारोप्य तु मां स देवो वाहैर्युक्तं सुप्रभं भानुमत्तत्। सन्दर्शयामास तदात्मलोकान्सर्वांस्तथा पुण्यकृतां द्विजेन्द्र॥ (13-71-21)</blockquote><blockquote>yānaṁ samārōpya tu māṁ sa dēvō vāhairyuktaṁ suprabhaṁ bhānumattat। sandarśayāmāsa tadātmalōkānsarvāṁstathā puṇyakr̥tāṁ dvijēndra॥ (13-71-21)</blockquote>

Shabdakalpadruma and Vachaspatyam (नाचिकेतोपाख्यानञ्च भा० अनु० ७१ अ० आदौ दृश्यम् ।) refer to Nachiketa's story in Mahabharata - Anushashana parva (13.71.2 to 21) <ref name=":023222" /><ref>[http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Mahabharata : Anushasana Parva 71 Adhyaya (Slokas 2 to 21)]</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/stream/TheMahabharataOfKrishna-dwaipayanaVyasa/MahabharataOfVyasa-EnglishTranslationByKMGanguli#page/n5125/mode/2up/search/Nachiketa Ganguli, K. M. (English Translation) ''The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana'' Anushasana Parva (Adhyaya 71)]</ref> In the context of Yudhisthira's questioning Bhishma about the merits of making donations of cows, Bhishma recites Nachiketa's story. Similar to the version as given in Varahapurana, there are descriptions Yamapuri including the mansions, rivers and streams of milk and ghee for the enjoyment of righteous persons who have made the gifts of cows. <blockquote>ऋषिरुद्दालकिर्दीक्षामुपगम्य ततः सुतम्। त्वं मामुपचरस्वेति नाचिकेतमभाषत॥ (13-71-3) </blockquote><blockquote>r̥ṣiruddālakirdīkṣāmupagamya tataḥ sutam। tvaṁ māmupacarasvēti nācikētamabhāṣata॥ (13-71-3)</blockquote><blockquote>यानं समारोप्य तु मां स देवो वाहैर्युक्तं सुप्रभं भानुमत्तत्। सन्दर्शयामास तदात्मलोकान्सर्वांस्तथा पुण्यकृतां द्विजेन्द्र॥ (13-71-21)</blockquote><blockquote>yānaṁ samārōpya tu māṁ sa dēvō vāhairyuktaṁ suprabhaṁ bhānumattat। sandarśayāmāsa tadātmalōkānsarvāṁstathā puṇyakr̥tāṁ dvijēndra॥ (13-71-21)</blockquote>

== नचिकेतोः गुणवैशिष्टम् ॥Nachiketa's Qualities ==

== नचिकेतः गुणवैशिष्टम् ॥Nachiketa's Qualities ==

Nachiketa's story throws light on the essential qualities of a साधकः॥ brahmavidya sadhaka.  

Nachiketa's story throws light on the essential qualities of a साधकः॥ brahmavidya sadhaka.  

Vaajasrava performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa his son, a mere boy, कुमारं प्रथमवयसं सन्तमप्राप्तप्रजननशक्तिं बालमेव <ref name=":222" /> Kumaara, though young was not possessed of the power of procreating, observing all those who received the दानम् || daana (charity) was filled with anxiety at the impropriety of the act, all the faith in the principles laid down by the Vedas, rushed into his senses. The cows that were given in charity were old, barren and useless to the receiver, such an act would only lead the donor to the lands devoid of happiness.  

Vaajasrava performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa his son, a mere boy, कुमारं प्रथमवयसं सन्तमप्राप्तप्रजननशक्तिं बालमेव <ref name=":222" /> Kumaara, young, not yet possessed of the power of procreating, was observing all those who received the दानम् || dana (charity). He was filled with anxiety at the impropriety of the act, all the faith in the principles laid down by the Vedas, rushed into his senses. He realized that the cows given in charity were old, barren and useless to the receiver, such an act would only lead the donor to the lands devoid of happiness.  

==== निश्चितबुद्धिः || Determination ====

==== निश्चितबुद्धिः || Determination ====

उशन्ह वै वाजश्रवसः सर्ववेदसं ददौ (Katha. Upan. 1.1.1)

उशन्ह वै वाजश्रवसः सर्ववेदसं ददौ (Katha. Upan. 1.1.1)

Meaning : Once, desirous of heaven, the son on Vajasrava (Vaajasrava) gave away all that he possessed.  

Meaning : Once, desirous of heaven, the son on Vajasrava (Vaajasrava) gave away all that he possessed.  

Nachiketa was fully aware that his father was desirous of giving away everything that he possessed. Nachiketa himself filled with श्रद्धास्तिक्यबुद्धिः made up his mind that as he was also "possessed" by his father he could also be given away in charity<ref name=":023222" />.  

Nachiketa was fully aware that his father was desirous of giving away everything that he possessed. Nachiketa himself filled with श्रद्धास्तिक्यबुद्धिः made up his mind that - he was also "possessed" by his father and so he could also be given away in charity<ref name=":023222" />.  

==== दानधर्माचरण विज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Charity ====

==== दानधर्माचरण विज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Charity ====

पीतोदका जग्धतृणा दुग्धदोहा निरिन्द्रियाः (Katha. Upan. 1.1.3)  

पीतोदका जग्धतृणा दुग्धदोहा निरिन्द्रियाः (Katha. Upan. 1.1.3)  

Anything that is given in charity has to given with an intent that it would be useful to the receiver. Nachiketa was completely knowledgeable at a tender age, that his father's donation of barren cows would not serve the purpose of such a charity and is not advisable according to sastras. This aspect of charity is discussed in the Sikshavalli of Taittiriya Brahmana<ref name=":023222" />.  

Anything that is given in charity has to given with an intent that it would be useful to the receiver. Nachiketa was completely knowledgeable at a tender age, that his father's donation of barren cows would not serve the purpose of such a charity and is not advisable according to sastras. This aspect of charity is discussed in the Sikshavalli of Taittiriya Brahmana<ref name=":023222" />.  

==== वाक्कौशलम् || Expert orator ====

==== वाक्कौशलम् || Expert orator ====

Nachiketa's way of questioning and choice of words is an important quality that is required for a sadhaka. He was well versed in the knowledge of charitable things, yet he did not directly question his father's improper act of donation of barren cows. Indirect questioning - Paroksha--- devaaha is a characteristic that is appreciated and followed by Devatas in order not to hurt any being by direct harsh speech.  

Nachiketa's way of questioning and choice of words is an important quality that is required for a sadhaka. He was well versed in the knowledge of charitable things, yet he did not directly question his father's improper act of donation of barren cows. Indirect questioning - Paroksha--- devaaha is a characteristic that is appreciated and followed by Devatas in order not to hurt any being by direct harsh speech.  

==== दूरदृष्टिः || Farsightedness ====

==== दूरदृष्टिः || Farsightedness ====

Nachiketa aware of the evil results of an improperly conducted charity was impelled to take on the consequences and asks his father<ref name=":122" /><ref name=":222" />

Nachiketa aware of the evil results of an improperly conducted charity was impelled to take on the consequences and asks his father<ref name=":122" /><ref name=":222" />

==== सहनशीलता || Patience ====

==== सहनशीलता || Patience ====

Patiently, Nachiketa refuses all of Yama's offers of material things, and waits until Yama is totally convinced that he is a worthy disciple ready for the knowledge.  

Patiently, Nachiketa refuses all of Yama's offers of material things, and waits until Yama is totally convinced that he is a worthy disciple ready for the knowledge.  

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

== संवादः || Discussion ==

==== Upanayanam ====

==== Upanayanam ====

Many views are present whether Nachiketa was already initiated into formal education and had gone through upanayana ceremonies.  

Many views are present whether Nachiketa was already initiated into formal education and had gone through upanayana ceremonies.