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Line 73: − + − − + − − === वाजश्रवाः || Vaajasrava === − Vaajasrava (Samskrit : वाजश्रवा) was also called as औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki अरुणिः || Aruni 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=":023" /><ref>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>. − द्वामुष्यायणः || + − It can be assumed that Nachiketa must have had his उपनयन || upanayana (thread ceremony) and was about to be initiated into his formal education. Or it could be that he was ready for the उपनयन || upanayan (thread ceremony). Notably even at a young age, he sounded bright, intelligent and with shraddha (implicit faith born out of experiencing satya)
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According to Shabdakalpadruma नचिकेत means अग्निः Agni synonymous to Nachiketagnividya.
According to Shabdakalpadruma नचिकेत means अग्निः Agni synonymous to Nachiketagnividya.
A small mention about Nachiketa's father, वाजश्रवाः || Vaajasrava (Samskrit : वाजश्रवा) who was also called as औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki, अरुणिः || Aruni, 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=":0232" /><ref>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>.
The names औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki, अरुणिः || Aruni have been given to Vaajasrava based on the principle of dharmasastras as द्वामुष्यायणः || Dvamushyaayana. Dvamushyaayana is a son 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=":0232" /><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 Goutama as he is born in the lineage of Goutama rishi.
== पाठान्तिरम् ॥Pathaantara ==
== पाठान्तिरम् ॥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.
इ॒दं य॒मस्य॒ साद॑नं देवमा॒नं यदु॒च्यते॑ । इ॒यम॑स्य धम्यते ना॒ळीर॒यं गी॒र्भिः परि॑ष्कृतः ॥७
इ॒दं य॒मस्य॒ साद॑नं देवमा॒नं यदु॒च्यते॑ । इ॒यम॑स्य धम्यते ना॒ळीर॒यं गी॒र्भिः परि॑ष्कृतः ॥७
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=":023">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=":0232">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 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.
According to Sri. K. S. Narayanacharya<ref name=":0">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 mentioned according to Taittriya Brahmana<ref name=":023" />. 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
A slightly different version of the story is mentioned according to Taittriya Brahmana<ref name=":0232" />. 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 (3.11.8.45)
On the first day : प्रजां त इति I ate your people (3.11.8.45)
The version of the legend given in Kathopanishad has been widely discussed and many critical editions have been given on this topic by different scholars. Under the heading [[Yama Nachiketa - 3 Boons (यम नचिकेत वरप्रदानम्)|Yama and Nachiketa - three boons]], the dialogue according to Kathopanishad has been discussed in detail.
The version of the legend given in Kathopanishad has been widely discussed and many critical editions have been given on this topic by different scholars. Under the heading [[Yama Nachiketa - 3 Boons (यम नचिकेत वरप्रदानम्)|Yama and Nachiketa - three boons]], the dialogue according to Kathopanishad has been discussed in detail.
=== Varaahapuranam ===
=== Varaahapuranam ===
Maharshi Vaisampayana relates this story of Nachiketa to King Janamejaya according to Varahapurana<ref name=":023" />. 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
Maharshi Vaisampayana relates this story of Nachiketa to King Janamejaya according to Varahapurana<ref name=":0232" />. 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
भगवञ्जायते तीव्रं चिन्तयानस्य सुव्रत ।। कर्मपाकफलं यस्मिन्मानुषैरुपभुज्यते।।६।। (Vara. Pura. 193.6)
भगवञ्जायते तीव्रं चिन्तयानस्य सुव्रत ।। कर्मपाकफलं यस्मिन्मानुषैरुपभुज्यते।।६।। (Vara. Pura. 193.6)
Thus Nachiketa shares his experiences in Yamapuri.
Thus Nachiketa shares his experiences in Yamapuri.
=== Mahabharata ===
=== Mahabharata ===
Shabdakalpadruma also cites Nachiketa's story in Mahabharata - Anushashana parva (13.71.2 to 21) <ref name=":023" /><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 also cites Nachiketa's story in Mahabharata - Anushashana parva (13.71.2 to 21) <ref name=":0232" /><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 ==
== नचिकेतोः गुणवैशिष्टम् ॥Nachiketa's Qualities ==
Nachiketa's story throws light on the essential qualities of a brahmavidya साधकः॥ sadhaka.
Nachiketa's story throws light on the essential qualities of a brahmavidya साधकः॥ sadhaka.
Vaajasrava performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa his son, a mere boy, Kumaara, 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 donar 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, Kumaara, 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 donar to the lands devoid of happiness.
It can be assumed that Nachiketa must have either had or was ready for the उपनयन || upanayana (thread ceremony) and was about to be initiated into his formal education. Notably even at a young age, he was bright, intelligent and infused with shraddha (implicit faith born out of experiencing Satya)<ref name=":0" />.
=== नचिकेता || Nachiketa ===
=== नचिकेता || Nachiketa ===
== Nachiketa’s Journey to Yamaloka ==
== Nachiketa’s Journey to Yamaloka ==
How did Nachiketa reach Yamaloka?
How did Nachiketa reach Yamaloka?