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Once a rishi cursed his son to "visit Yama" and advised him the way to return back after visiting him. Even though kumara was at first anguished by his father's words, kumara comforted himself as his father's order to "tread in the path of his ancestors" to "stay with his ancestors", so he ascends to the abode of Yama<ref name=":0">Kodandaramacharyulu. K. (2011) Kathopanishat - Samajikaamsamulu (Pages 78 to 92) from Upanishat Sudha Lahari, Hyderabad: Sahiti Samskritika Samstha</ref>. In the conversation with Yama it is revealed that the world is the कर्मक्षेत्र ॥ karmakshetra (the ground for enacting the karma) and all living beings take birth, blame themselves and yet again be born based on their past actions. Paramatma is eternal and bears witness to all actions. 

Once a rishi cursed his son to "visit Yama" and advised him the way to return back after visiting him. Even though kumara was at first anguished by his father's words, kumara comforted himself as his father's order to "tread in the path of his ancestors" to "stay with his ancestors", so he ascends to the abode of Yama<ref name=":0">Kodandaramacharyulu. K. (2011) Kathopanishat - Samajikaamsamulu (Pages 78 to 92) from Upanishat Sudha Lahari, Hyderabad: Sahiti Samskritika Samstha</ref>. In the conversation with Yama it is revealed that the world is the कर्मक्षेत्र ॥ karmakshetra (the ground for enacting the karma) and all living beings take birth, blame themselves and yet again be born based on their past actions. Paramatma is eternal and bears witness to all actions. 

According to Sri. K. S. Narayanacharya<ref>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I.'' Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>, the Rig samhita gives a unique explanation about this episode. Nachiketa, while traveling to Yama's  abode  spoke to himself: <blockquote>"Yama's abode is like a big leafy tree that provides shelter to all. Pitris (ancestors) who performed pious activities reside there. The Lord of Death cuts life and the living entities fall like  leaves from the tree, hence Yama is known as vrksa vraschyan (to cut). Yama is happy with his family in this land of death and for me to reside in such place along with my pitris is the desire of my father.    Amongst the men my father is the best."  </blockquote><blockquote>"what is wrong in going to that place where my ancestors have gone?  What is the harm if i come to such a land?  by Having such a desire my father has not acted wrongly, despite his harsh words. Yes certainly for some time i was agitated because of anxiety, but one’s my anger was subsided, i have myself chose to follow the orders of my father as a duty and i have come here to Yamaloka" (Rig. Veda. 10.135 -1 and 2)</blockquote>These words reveal Nachiketa’s great wisdom, thoughtfulness and critical thinking  

According to Sri. K. S. Narayanacharya<ref>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I.'' Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>, the Rig samhita gives a unique explanation about this episode. Nachiketa, while traveling to Yama's  abode  spoke to himself: <blockquote>"Yama's abode is like a big leafy tree that provides shelter to all. Pitris (ancestors) who performed pious activities reside there. The Lord of Death cuts life and the living entities fall like  leaves from the tree, hence Yama is known as vrksa vraschyan (to cut). Yama is happy with his family in this land of death and for me to reside in such place along with my pitris is the desire of my father.    Amongst the men my father is the best."  </blockquote><blockquote>"what is wrong in going to that place where my ancestors have gone?  What is the harm if i come to such a land?  By having such a desire my father has not acted wrongly, despite his harsh words. Yes certainly for some time i was agitated because of anxiety, but once my anger subsided, i have myself chosen to follow the orders of my father as a duty and I have come here to Yamaloka" (Rig. Veda. 10.135 -1 and 2)</blockquote>These words reveal Nachiketa’s great wisdom, thoughtfulness and critical thinking.

=== Taittiriya Brahmana ===

=== Taittiriya Brahmana ===

Taittriya brahmana, 3rd Kanda, 11th Prapathaka<ref>https://sa.wikisource.org/s/h38</ref> refers to the legend of Nachiketa under the heading नाचिकेताग्निचयनम् || Nachiketaagnichayanam.  The process of Agnichayana is given in this brahmana mantras from 3.11.1 to 7 kandikas.   

Taittriya brahmana, 3rd Kanda, 11th Prapathaka<ref>https://sa.wikisource.org/s/h38</ref> refers to the legend of Nachiketa under the heading नाचिकेताग्निचयनम् || Nachiketaagnichayanam.  The process of Agnichayana is given in this brahmana mantras from 3.11.1 to 7 kandikas.   

A slightly different version of the story is seen here<ref name=":0" />. Upon hearing his father, Vaajasravas's, to give him to Mrityu, Nachiketa consoles himself that by his going to Yamapuri, his father's impropriety will be nullified. As he sets forth on his journey, Asareeravani, the unseen voice directs him to go to Yamapuri when Yama is not present and fast for three days. Yama, on his return, will ask what he had eaten in the three days (Taitt. Brah. 3.11.8.43). Asareeravaani advises Nachiketa to reply as follows  

A slightly different version of the story is mentioned according to Taittriya Brahmana<ref name=":0" />. Upon hearing his father, Vaajasravas's curse, to give him to Mrityu, Nachiketa consoles himself that by his going to Yamapuri, his father's impropriety will be nullified. As he sets forth on his journey, Asareeravani, the unseen voice directs him to go to Yamapuri when Yama is not present and thereafter fast for three days. Yama, on his return, will ask what he had eaten in the three days (Taitt. Brah. 3.11.8.43). Asareeravaani advises Nachiketa to reply as follows  

On the first day : प्रजां त इति I ate your people (3.11.8.44)

On the first day : प्रजां त इति I ate your people (3.11.8.45)

On the second day: पशूँ स्त इति I ate your animals (3.11.8.44)

On the second day: पशूँ स्त इति I ate your animals (3.11.8.45)

On the third day: साधुकृत्यां त इति । I ate up all the good deeds you did

On the third day: साधुकृत्यां त इति । I ate up all the good deeds you did (3.11.8.45)

Nachiketa replies as advised and then Yama grants the three wishes namely     

Nachiketa replies as advised and then Yama grants the three wishes namely (3.11.8.45 and 46)    

पितरमेव जीवन्नयानीति । bodily return to my father (house)

पितरमेव जीवन्नयानीति । bodily return to my father (house)  

इष्टापूर्तयोर्मेऽक्षिति । perform all karmas that I wish to do   

इष्टापूर्तयोर्मेऽक्षिति । perform all karmas that I wish to do