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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.  
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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 adhyatmik significance of [[Yama Nachiketa Samvada (यमनचिकेतसोः संवादः)|Nachiketa and Yama's Samvada]].
== Etymology ==
 
it is also mentioned in the Kataka Brahman, which is now part of Taittriya Brahman. The Kathopanishad also describes its spiritual significance.  
 
  
According to Shabdakalpadruma नचिकेत means अग्निः Agni synonymous to Nachiketagnividya. 
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== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
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There are many versions of the name Nachiketa, as seen in different texts
  
A small mention about Nachiketa's father, वाजश्रवाः || Vaajasrava (Samskrit : वाजश्रवा) who was also called as औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki,  अरुणिः || Aruni, गौतमः|| Goutama.     
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According to Shabdakalpadruma 
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* '''नाचिकेतः''' means अग्निः Agni synonymous to Nachiketagnividya.
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According to Vachaspatyam, definitions as follows are given 
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* '''नचिकेतस्''' पु० वाजश्रवसः पुत्रे १ ऋषिमेदे २ अग्नौ च । “यएवं विद्वांश्चिनुते नचिकेतस्” कठोप० । स्वार्थे अण् नाचिकेतोऽप्युक्तार्थे... || nacikētas pu0 vājaśravasaḥ putrē 1 r̥ṣimēdē 2 agnau ca । "yaēvaṁ vidvāṁścinutē nacikētas" kaṭhōpa0 । svārthē aṇ nācikētō'pyuktārthē...
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<blockquote>Nachiketas is the son of Vajasravas, also known as Rishi Medha and synonymous to Agni. Kathopanishad mentions him as Nachiketas.. नाचिकेतः (derived using the अण् pratyaya) is also of appropriate sense. <ref name=":0">Vachaspatyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A8 Nachiketas])</ref></blockquote>
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* '''नाचिकेत''' पु० नचिकेतशब्दार्थे १ अनले २ ऋषिभेदे ३ तदुपाख्याने च । Naachiketa is used in the meaning of नचिकेतः word, synonymous with Fire and Rishi Bheda, in the respective sections. <ref>Vachaspatyam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A3 Naachiketa])</ref> 
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According to Kathopanishad, Taittriya Brahmana (3.11) and in Brahmasutras (1.4)
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* '''नचिकेता''' is given. 
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According to Mahabharata, नाचिकेतश्च उद्दालकर्षेः पुत्रः (Mahabharata Anushasana Parva)
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* '''नाचिकेतः''' is given. 
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== Family and Lineage ==
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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=":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>.     
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वाजम् अन्नं तद्दानादिनिमित्तं श्रवः - यशः, यस्य सः वाजश्रवाः || vājam annaṁ taddānādinimittaṁ śravaḥ - yaśaḥ, yasya saḥ vājaśravāḥ || 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 || 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.     
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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.     
== पाठान्तिरम् ॥Pathaantara ==
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== 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.  
=== Rig Veda ===
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=== ऋग्वेदस्थ मन्त्राणि ॥ Rig Veda ===
In Rig veda 10th Mandala 135th Sukta mantras<ref>http://ignca.nic.in/Vedic_portal_rigveda_shakala_Samhita_m10.htm</ref> (1 to 7) mention a story about a rishikumaara (unnamed),very similar to that of Nachiketa <ref>Pt. Jayadevji Sharma, (2008) Rigveda Samhita, Part 7 Ajmer: Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd</ref>.   
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In Rig veda 10th Mandala 135th Sukta, mantras<ref name=":1">Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-135/ Mandala 10, Sukta 135])</ref> (1 to 7) mention a story about a rishikumaara (unnamed),very similar to that of Nachiketa <ref name=":2">Pt. Jayadevji Sharma, (2008) ''Rigveda Samhita'', Part 7 Ajmer: Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd (Page 609 of PDF)</ref>.   
  
यस्मिन्वृक्षे सुपलाशे देवैः सम्पिबते य॒मः । अत्रा नो विश्पति: पिता पुराणाँ अनु वेनति ॥१
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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=":023222">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.
  
पुराणाँ अनुवेनन्तं चरन्तं पापयामुया । असूयन्नभ्यचाकशं तस्मा अस्पृहयं पुन: ॥२
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According to Sri. K. S. Narayanacharya<ref name=":022">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>''"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>
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=== तैतिरीयब्राह्मणस्था आख्यायिका || Taittiriya Brahmana ===
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Taittriya brahmana, 3rd Kanda, 11th Prapathaka<ref>https://sa.wikisource.org/s/h38</ref><ref name=":03" /> 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. 
  
यं कु॑मार॒ नवं॒ रथ॑मच॒क्रं मन॒साकृ॑णोः । एके॑षं वि॒श्वत॒: प्राञ्च॒मप॑श्य॒न्नधि॑ तिष्ठसि ॥३
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A slightly different version of the story is mentioned according to Taittriya Brahmana<ref name=":023222" />. 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, अशरीरवाणी || 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
  
यं कु॑मार॒ प्राव॑र्तयो॒ रथं॒ विप्रे॑भ्य॒स्परि॑ । तं सामानु॒ प्राव॑र्तत॒ समि॒तो ना॒व्याहि॑तम् ॥४
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On the first day : प्रजां त इति I ate your people (family) (3.11.8.45)
 
 
कः कु॑मा॒रम॑जनय॒द्रथं॒ को निर॑वर्तयत् । कः स्वि॒त्तद॒द्य नो॑ ब्रूयादनु॒देयी॒ यथाभ॑वत् ॥५
 
 
 
यथाभ॑वदनु॒देयी॒ ततो॒ अग्र॑मजायत । पु॒रस्ता॑द्बु॒ध्न आत॑तः प॒श्चान्नि॒रय॑णं कृ॒तम् ॥६
 
 
 
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=":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 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 ===
 
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=":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 second day: पशूँ स्त इति I ate your animals (3.11.8.45)
 
On the second day: पशूँ स्त इति I ate your animals (3.11.8.45)
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पुनर्मृत्योर्मेऽपजितिं । amritattvam (mrityunjayatvam)   
 
पुनर्मृत्योर्मेऽपजितिं । amritattvam (mrityunjayatvam)   
=== Kathopanishad ===
 
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 ===
 
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)   
 
 
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). 
 
 
Vaisampayana rishi answering this question says Nachiketa is of one of the blessed people who visited Yamapuri with his mortal body.   
 
  
According to Varaahapuranam<ref>[http://www.vcscsd.org/content/balabhavan/18-Puranas.pdf Varahapuranam from ''The Puranas'' by Dharmic Scriptures Team (English Translation Pages 404 to 407)]</ref>, Nachiketa's father regrets cursing his son and after his anger subsides tries to convince him against going to the abode of Yama. सत्येन वेदा गायन्ति सत्ये लोकाः प्रतिष्ठिताः ।। ३९ ।। (Vara. Pura. 193.39) He convinces his father that one should truthfully abide by his word for Satya is the base for the existence of the worlds.   
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Here eating is symbolic to consumption, meaning when a brahmana or atithi is not given proper welcome in a grihastha's house, his family, cattle and good deeds are lost. 
*नचिकेतसो आगमनवर्णनम् (Vara. Pura. 194) After his return from Yamapuri, Nachiketa is welcomed by his delighted father and people throng to see him and seek his experiences of his stay there.
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=== कठोपनिषदि विषयाः ॥ Kathopanishad ===
*यमलोकस्थपापिवर्णनम् (Vara. Pura. 195) where he describes the people पापिनः who go to Naraka to taste the पापकर्मफलं || fruits of his bad actions.
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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 Samvada (यमनचिकेतसोः संवादः)|Yama and Nachiketa Samvada]], the dialogue according to Kathopanishad has been discussed in detail. 
*धर्मराजपुरवर्णनं (Vara. Pura. 196) where he describes the spanning golden abode of Yama filled with great rishis and divine grandeur. Dharmarajapuri is the seat of the devi who is worshiped by Yama and also seen there is Kaala, ferocious and ever youthful.
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=== वराहपुराणे विषयाः ॥ Varahapuranam ===
*संसारचक्रे कृतान्तकालमृत्युकिङ्करवर्णनं (Vara. Pura. 197) He describes a few Narakas (Tapta, mahatapta, raourava among others) and what deeds make a person go there (karma vipaka) and that it is Chitragupta who maintains the record of all deeds, good or bad, of every person.
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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।। bhagavañjāyatē tīvraṁ cintayānasya suvrata ।। karmapākaphalaṁ yasminmānuṣairupabhujyatē।।6।। (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.
*संसारचक्रयातनास्वरूपवर्णनम् || the cycle of man's sorrows in the world (Vara. Pura. 198 and 199). Again the description of bad unworthy deeds and different punishments meted out are explained. Nachiketa's praise of Yama is given in a stuti.
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=== महाभारतस्था आख्यायिका || Mahabharata ===
*नरकयातनास्वरूपवर्णनम् || Narakayatana swaroopam (Vara. Pura. 198 199, 200) As the name indicates this adhyaya gives a full description of the Narakas (Maharourava, Rourava, Kumbhipaaka) kinds of punishments including the details of the instruments (suffering caused by piercing of sharp objects, fires, heated oils etc) and time the punishments are given. What fate one experiences in these narakas, are vividly described.
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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>
*नारकिदण्डनकर्मविपाकवर्णनम् (Vara. Pura. 201 to 204) The details of various bad deeds (sins) such as one who abandons his parents, stealing (gold, salt, food), conniving, giving false witness, liars and the corresponding punishments are they obtain are described here. After suffering for the sins, they take birth in various lower life forms (trees, donkeys, pigs). Souls of virtuous people were sent to the heaven. People who attain martyrdom in wars and battles were sent to Indrapuri,while those engaged in virtuous deeds all their lives are rewarded.
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== नचिकेतसः गुणवैशिष्टम् ॥Nachiketa's Qualities ==
*शुभकर्मफलोदय प्रकरणम् (Vara. Pura 206) The rewards for good deeds are described here.
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Vaajasrava performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa his son, a mere boy, was observing all those Brahmans who received the dana (दानम् । charity) especially of old, barren cows. He was filled with anxiety at the impropriety of the act, the knowledge of which at such a tender age is remarkable. 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. Here we bring out Nachiketa's thoughts, questions to Yama, his request for Jnana, which highlight the essential qualities of a brahmavidya sadhaka (साधकः).
*पापनाशोपायवर्णनम् (Vara. Pura 211) Here the description of prayaschitta for different bad deeds are given by Yama. पंचगव्यं तु यः पिबेत् - one who drinks the Panchagavya, does go-seva are relieved from sins.
 
Thus Nachiketa shares his experiences in Yamapuri.
 
=== Mahabharata ===
 
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 ==
 
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.  
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Such [[Nachiketa's Qualities (नचिकेतसः गुणाः)|qualities of Nachiketa]]<ref name=":023222" /> include '''Determination''' (निश्चितबुद्धिः) to remedy the improper act of his father, by himself being offered in charity; '''Knowledgeable''' (विज्ञः) about the shastras, being a '''Pitrubhakta''' (पितृभक्तिः | Affection for elders), and hence an ardent '''Pitrvakyaparipalaka''' (पितृवाक्यपालनम् | Treading the path of Truth) his '''Duradrshti''' (दूरदृष्टिः | Farsightedness) of where the consequences of an improper dana will lead to are the most required qualities in a Sadhaka.
  
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" />.  
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Apart from these Nachiketa was endowed with '''Vakkoushala''' (वाक्कौशलम् | Expert orator) that endeared even the most feared Mrityudevata, which also showed his Inner '''Strength''' (शक्तिसंपन्नः | Strength) and courage even to face the dreaded.  While talking to Yama, Nachiketa carefully introspected his words and actions, with '''Karyadakshata''' (कार्यदक्षता | Steadfastness) and determination he stood ground when Yama said his request for secrets about death could not be fulfilled. Yama tested his '''Sahanasheelata''' (सहनशीलता | Patience) while Nachiketa waited for Yama to yield to his request, overcoming Yama's '''Pralobha''' (Nachiketa showed प्रलोभराहित्यम् || Unallured nature) of sons, children and pleasures of the materialistic world.  Nachiketa did not deter or waver from his goal of '''Paraloukika Jnana''' (पारलौकिकज्ञानार्थम् | Goals beyond worldly things) Brahmajnana which he later revealed for the '''Welfare of others''' (परार्थम्) after his return from Yamapuri was the ultimate Paramartha.
=== नचिकेता || Nachiketa ===
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== संवादः || Discussion ==
== Nachiketa’s Journey to Yamaloka ==
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==== Upanayanam ====
How did Nachiketa reach Yamaloka?
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Many views are present whether Nachiketa was already initiated into formal education and had gone through upanayana ceremonies.
  
What was the instrument he used to reach?
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Some say Nachiketa must have either had or was ready for the उपनयन || upanayana (thread ceremony) and was about to be initiated into his formal education <ref name=":022" />.
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==== Journey to Yamaloka ====
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How did Nachiketa reach Yamaloka? : is another much discussed aspect. 
  
Rik samhita gives an interesting answer to these questions. Yamaraja,while appreciating Nachiketa speaks thus;<blockquote>"My dear boy, how is that you have come here without thinking properly, what kind of chariot have you used?  It must be extraordinary!  I have never seen anything like your chariot. It does not have wheels, it has only one tree of achina tree) but travels in all directions! Is it right for you to come in this way?""</blockquote>The chariot described here is symbolically the chariot of the mind. What was impossible for him with ||shradda?  The chariot that travels all the directions, which  does not have a wheel  and is made of Acche mara (some kind of tree) is nothing but  the focused mind. 
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According to Shrimad Sankaraacharya bhasyam of Kathopanishad<ref name=":222" />
  
When Nachiketa arrived at Yamaraja’s place, he was tested and tempted by Yamaraja by making him feel foolish, if seen from mundane perspective. , thus explains Sayanacharya. Those who desire material happiness and consider themselves as intelligent for them the act of Nachiketa going to yama, is foolish and stupid.
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पितात्मनः सत्यतायै प्रेषयामास || the father himself sent him for veracity of truth to the abode of Yama. How and what was the means of travel to Yamapuri is not explicitly given. Taittiriya brahamana version also does not address this aspect.  
  
Yamaraja continues, Dear Nachiketa, you have flown over the Vipras (brahamans) in the sky through your wonderful chariot. I hope while traveling, the consoling words of your father are with you?  It is very significant that Yamaraj is glorifying Nachiketa being exceptionally greater than the Vipras of the earthly planet, in intelligent. From mundane perspective the intelligent vipras would choose wealth by their knowledge.  This is sarcastically suggested by Yamaraja, to prove even in those days they wanted wealth.  Yamaraja indicates that Nachiketa does not belong to that category.  Yamaraja, indirectly indicates this is the one quality the person who is desiring for brahamjijnasa must have.  In 0ther words those who are  desire less,  having no enjoyment spirit, having determination in knowing brahama jnana will only be qulified to become amara, or immortal. 
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Mahabharata Anushasana parva (106 Adhyaya) addresses this aspect as follows as given by Pt Shridhara Sastry<ref name=":03">Pt. Shridhara Shastri, Pathak (1919) ''Kaathakopanishat with Shrimad Sankaraacharya Bhashyam'' Poona: Oriental Book Supplying Agency </ref>:  
  
When Nachiketa was going to yamaloka, his father became calm, repenting his earlier anger. It is explained here that he gave some instructions to his son (pathya vakya) as he must have realized that there was some divine intervention in whatever transpired during the yagna. He felt for some unknown reason that his son’s going to yamaloka would  be of great benefit to society. Therefore, he tells Nachiketa to be humble so that he can get Yamaraja’s counsel  and grace.  Yamaraja calls Nachiketa a traveler who ha come on a boat. Sayanacharaya says, to cross over the dreadly  oceans of Samsara, the only boat is wisdom.   
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Nachiketa is asked by his father to do upachara while he is observing a deeksha. Agreeing to it, Nachiketa is ordered by his father to bring back his things (darbha, kamandalu) which he forgets on the banks of the river. On going there Nachiketa does not find them and returns to his father to inform the same. Angered his father curses saying " go see Yama".   <blockquote>तदा क्षमस्वेति प्रार्थयमानस्यैव तस्य नाचिकेतस्य देहो गतसत्वो भूमौ न्यपतत् | पतितं सुतं दृष्ट्वा पितापि किं मयानुष्ठितं पापेनेति ब्रुवन् भूमौ निपपात | tadā kṣamasvēti prārthayamānasyaiva tasya nācikētasya dēhō gatasatvō bhūmau nyapatat | patitaṁ sutaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā pitāpi kiṁ mayānuṣṭhitaṁ pāpēnēti bruvan bhūmau nipapāta |</blockquote>As he was asking for forgiveness Nachiketa becomes senseless and falls on the ground. Seeing him so fallen down, his father with remorse utters - alas ! what a bad deed have I done and falls down.   
  
Yama is surprised and exclaims, why would parents send such an extraordinary child to Yama?  Or is it possible that there exist parents who raise their child to send them to Yama? Not only has the father given birth to such a child but also directed him to go to Yamaloka and he has given him right etiquette and conduct while interacting with Yamaraja. Yamaraja things Such a parent are intelligent and have done great service to society. Nachiketa’s father, before he became angry with Nachiketa during the yagna, also knew the art of bringing his son, Nachiketa to earthly planet. That he had resolved after apparently cursing him. This is spoken in sukta 6.    
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After a day and night passes, the father sees his son return in a divine chariot : अथ च प्रातर्दिव्यरथेन पुनः प्रत्यागतः सुतः ! Seeing him he says -  <blockquote>न दृष्यते मानुषं ते वपुः - I do not see your mortal body.</blockquote>Rik samhita gives an interesting answer to these questions<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":022" /><blockquote>यं कुमार प्रावर्तयो रथं विप्रेभ्यस्परि । तं सामानु प्रावर्तत समितो नाव्याहितम् ॥४ yaṁ kumāra prāvartayō rathaṁ viprēbhyaspari । taṁ sāmānu prāvartata samitō nāvyāhitam ॥4 (Rig. Veda. 10.135.4)</blockquote>Yama says, Nachiketa, you have flown over the Vipras (brahamans) in the sky through your wonderful chariot. I hope while traveling, the consoling words of your father are with you?   
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== Verses and Meanings ==
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In Rig veda 10th Mandala 135th Sukta mantras<ref name=":1">http://ignca.nic.in/Vedic_portal_rigveda_shakala_Samhita_m10.htm</ref> (1 to 7) mention a story about a rishikumaara (unnamed),very similar to that of Nachiketa <ref name=":2">Pt. Jayadevji Sharma, (2008) Rigveda Samhita, Part 7 Ajmer: Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd</ref><ref>Pt. Harisharana Siddhantalankar (2011) Rigvedabhashyam, Part 7 Rajasthan: Shri Dhoodmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa (Page No 557)</ref>.<blockquote>यस्मिन्वृक्षे सुपलाशे देवैः सम्पिबते यमः । अत्रा नो विश्पति: पिता पुराणाँ अनु वेनति ॥१ </blockquote><blockquote>yasminvr̥kṣē supalāśē dēvaiḥ sampibatē yamaḥ । atrā nō viśpati: pitā purāṇām̐ anu vēnati ॥1</blockquote><blockquote>पुराणाँ अनुवेनन्तं चरन्तं पापयामुया । असूयन्नभ्यचाकशं तस्मा अस्पृहयं पुन: ॥२ </blockquote><blockquote>purāṇām̐ anuvēnantaṁ carantaṁ pāpayāmuyā । asūyannabhyacākaśaṁ tasmā aspr̥hayaṁ puna: ॥2</blockquote><blockquote>यं कुमार नवं रथमचक्रं मनसाकृणोः । एकेषं विश्वत: प्राञ्चमपश्यन्नधि तिष्ठसि ॥३ </blockquote><blockquote>yaṁ kumāra navaṁ rathamacakraṁ manasākr̥ṇōḥ । ēkēṣaṁ viśvata: prāñcamapaśyannadhi tiṣṭhasi ॥3</blockquote><blockquote>यं कुमार प्रावर्तयो रथं विप्रेभ्यस्परि । तं सामानु प्रावर्तत समितो नाव्याहितम् ॥४ </blockquote><blockquote>yaṁ kumāra prāvartayō rathaṁ viprēbhyaspari । taṁ sāmānu prāvartata samitō nāvyāhitam ॥4</blockquote><blockquote>कः कुमारमजनयद्रथं को निरवर्तयत् । कः स्वित्तदद्य नो ब्रूयादनुदेयी यथाभवत् ॥५ </blockquote><blockquote>kaḥ kumāramajanayadrathaṁ kō niravartayat । kaḥ svittadadya nō brūyādanudēyī yathābhavat ॥5</blockquote><blockquote>यथाभवदनुदेयी ततो अग्रमजायत । पुरस्ताद्बुध्न आततः पश्चान्निरयणं कृतम् ॥६ </blockquote><blockquote>yathābhavadanudēyī tatō agramajāyata । purastādbudhna ātataḥ paścānnirayaṇaṁ kr̥tam ॥6</blockquote><blockquote>इदं यमस्य सादनं देवमानं यदुच्यते । इयमस्य धम्यते नाळीरयं गीर्भिः परिष्कृतः ॥७ </blockquote><blockquote>idaṁ yamasya sādanaṁ dēvamānaṁ yaducyatē । iyamasya dhamyatē nāḻīrayaṁ gīrbhiḥ pariṣkr̥taḥ ॥7</blockquote>
  
This reveals that Vajasrava was a highly learned sage. While his son was more intelligent, that does not mean that Vajasrava was less intelligent. Yamaraja, who superficially ridicules Nachiketa’s father while glorifying Nachiketa in the earlier verses glorifies Vajashrava in the later verses are timely.  This episode clears the prevailing confusion about Vajashrava being a karmakandi and Nachiketa being Jnanakandi and Yamaraja glorifying Vajashrava proves it clearly wrong.  .  This is explained in rik samhita. 
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==References==
== References ==
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<references />
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[[Category:Vedanta]]
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[[Category:Upanishads]]

Latest revision as of 22:20, 12 March 2020

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 adhyatmik significance of Nachiketa and Yama's Samvada.

व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology

There are many versions of the name Nachiketa, as seen in different texts

According to Shabdakalpadruma

  • नाचिकेतः means अग्निः Agni synonymous to Nachiketagnividya.

According to Vachaspatyam, definitions as follows are given

  • नचिकेतस् पु० वाजश्रवसः पुत्रे १ ऋषिमेदे २ अग्नौ च । “यएवं विद्वांश्चिनुते नचिकेतस्” कठोप० । स्वार्थे अण् नाचिकेतोऽप्युक्तार्थे... || nacikētas pu0 vājaśravasaḥ putrē 1 r̥ṣimēdē 2 agnau ca । "yaēvaṁ vidvāṁścinutē nacikētas" kaṭhōpa0 । svārthē aṇ nācikētō'pyuktārthē...

Nachiketas is the son of Vajasravas, also known as Rishi Medha and synonymous to Agni. Kathopanishad mentions him as Nachiketas.. नाचिकेतः (derived using the अण् pratyaya) is also of appropriate sense. [1]

  • नाचिकेत पु० नचिकेतशब्दार्थे १ अनले २ ऋषिभेदे ३ तदुपाख्याने च । Naachiketa is used in the meaning of नचिकेतः word, synonymous with Fire and Rishi Bheda, in the respective sections. [2]

According to Kathopanishad, Taittriya Brahmana (3.11) and in Brahmasutras (1.4)

  • नचिकेता is given.

According to Mahabharata, नाचिकेतश्च उद्दालकर्षेः पुत्रः (Mahabharata Anushasana Parva)

  • नाचिकेतः is given.

Family and Lineage

Nachiketa's father is वाजश्रवसः || Vaajasravas (Samskrit : वाजश्रवाः, वाजश्रवसः)[1] who was also called as औद्दालकिः || Auddalaki, अरुणिः || Aruni, and गौतमः|| Goutama.

वाजम् अन्नं तद्दानादिनिमित्तं श्रवः - यशः, यस्य सः वाजश्रवाः || vājam annaṁ taddānādinimittaṁ śravaḥ - yaśaḥ, yasya saḥ vājaśravāḥ || One who obtains fame by giving away Annam (grains or food) in charity is Vaajasrava[3][4][5].

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)"[3][6]. Vaajasrava also obtained the name Gautama as he is born in the lineage of Gautama rishi.

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.

ऋग्वेदस्थ मन्त्राणि ॥ Rig Veda

In Rig veda 10th Mandala 135th Sukta, mantras[7] (1 to 7) mention a story about a rishikumaara (unnamed),very similar to that of Nachiketa [8].

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[3]. 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[9], the Rig samhita gives a unique explanation about this episode. Nachiketa, while traveling to Yama's abode spoke to himself:

"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)

तैतिरीयब्राह्मणस्था आख्यायिका || Taittiriya Brahmana

Taittriya brahmana, 3rd Kanda, 11th Prapathaka[10][11] 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[3]. 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, अशरीरवाणी || 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 (family) (3.11.8.45)

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 (3.11.8.45)

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)

इष्टापूर्तयोर्मेऽक्षिति । perform all karmas that I wish to do

पुनर्मृत्योर्मेऽपजितिं । amritattvam (mrityunjayatvam)

Here eating is symbolic to consumption, meaning when a brahmana or atithi is not given proper welcome in a grihastha's house, his family, cattle and good deeds are lost.

कठोपनिषदि विषयाः ॥ Kathopanishad

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 and Nachiketa Samvada, the dialogue according to Kathopanishad has been discussed in detail.

वराहपुराणे विषयाः ॥ Varahapuranam

Maharshi Vaisampayana relates this story of Nachiketa to King Janamejaya according to वराहपुराणम् ॥ Varaahapurana[3]. The story of Nachiketa starts in Adhyaya 193 of Varahapurana[12] with नचिकेतः प्रयाणवर्णनम् ।। Description of journey of Nachiketa (to Yamapuri). Janamejaya asks Vaisamapaya rishi as follows

भगवञ्जायते तीव्रं चिन्तयानस्य सुव्रत ।। कर्मपाकफलं यस्मिन्मानुषैरुपभुज्यते।।६।। bhagavañjāyatē tīvraṁ cintayānasya suvrata ।। karmapākaphalaṁ yasminmānuṣairupabhujyatē।।6।। (Vara. Pura. 193.6)

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).

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

Shabdakalpadruma and Vachaspatyam (नाचिकेतोपाख्यानञ्च भा० अनु० ७१ अ० आदौ दृश्यम् ।) refer to Nachiketa's story in Mahabharata - Anushashana parva (13.71.2 to 21) [3][13][14] 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.

ऋषिरुद्दालकिर्दीक्षामुपगम्य ततः सुतम्। त्वं मामुपचरस्वेति नाचिकेतमभाषत॥ (13-71-3)

r̥ṣiruddālakirdīkṣāmupagamya tataḥ sutam। tvaṁ māmupacarasvēti nācikētamabhāṣata॥ (13-71-3)

यानं समारोप्य तु मां स देवो वाहैर्युक्तं सुप्रभं भानुमत्तत्। सन्दर्शयामास तदात्मलोकान्सर्वांस्तथा पुण्यकृतां द्विजेन्द्र॥ (13-71-21)

yānaṁ samārōpya tu māṁ sa dēvō vāhairyuktaṁ suprabhaṁ bhānumattat। sandarśayāmāsa tadātmalōkānsarvāṁstathā puṇyakr̥tāṁ dvijēndra॥ (13-71-21)

नचिकेतसः गुणवैशिष्टम् ॥Nachiketa's Qualities

Vaajasrava performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa his son, a mere boy, was observing all those Brahmans who received the dana (दानम् । charity) especially of old, barren cows. He was filled with anxiety at the impropriety of the act, the knowledge of which at such a tender age is remarkable. 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. Here we bring out Nachiketa's thoughts, questions to Yama, his request for Jnana, which highlight the essential qualities of a brahmavidya sadhaka (साधकः).

Such qualities of Nachiketa[3] include Determination (निश्चितबुद्धिः) to remedy the improper act of his father, by himself being offered in charity; Knowledgeable (विज्ञः) about the shastras, being a Pitrubhakta (पितृभक्तिः | Affection for elders), and hence an ardent Pitrvakyaparipalaka (पितृवाक्यपालनम् | Treading the path of Truth) his Duradrshti (दूरदृष्टिः | Farsightedness) of where the consequences of an improper dana will lead to are the most required qualities in a Sadhaka.

Apart from these Nachiketa was endowed with Vakkoushala (वाक्कौशलम् | Expert orator) that endeared even the most feared Mrityudevata, which also showed his Inner Strength (शक्तिसंपन्नः | Strength) and courage even to face the dreaded. While talking to Yama, Nachiketa carefully introspected his words and actions, with Karyadakshata (कार्यदक्षता | Steadfastness) and determination he stood ground when Yama said his request for secrets about death could not be fulfilled. Yama tested his Sahanasheelata (सहनशीलता | Patience) while Nachiketa waited for Yama to yield to his request, overcoming Yama's Pralobha (Nachiketa showed प्रलोभराहित्यम् || Unallured nature) of sons, children and pleasures of the materialistic world. Nachiketa did not deter or waver from his goal of Paraloukika Jnana (पारलौकिकज्ञानार्थम् | Goals beyond worldly things) Brahmajnana which he later revealed for the Welfare of others (परार्थम्) after his return from Yamapuri was the ultimate Paramartha.

संवादः || Discussion

Upanayanam

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

Some say Nachiketa must have either had or was ready for the उपनयन || upanayana (thread ceremony) and was about to be initiated into his formal education [9].

Journey to Yamaloka

How did Nachiketa reach Yamaloka? : is another much discussed aspect.

According to Shrimad Sankaraacharya bhasyam of Kathopanishad[5]

पितात्मनः सत्यतायै प्रेषयामास || the father himself sent him for veracity of truth to the abode of Yama. How and what was the means of travel to Yamapuri is not explicitly given. Taittiriya brahamana version also does not address this aspect.

Mahabharata Anushasana parva (106 Adhyaya) addresses this aspect as follows as given by Pt Shridhara Sastry[11]:

Nachiketa is asked by his father to do upachara while he is observing a deeksha. Agreeing to it, Nachiketa is ordered by his father to bring back his things (darbha, kamandalu) which he forgets on the banks of the river. On going there Nachiketa does not find them and returns to his father to inform the same. Angered his father curses saying " go see Yama".

तदा क्षमस्वेति प्रार्थयमानस्यैव तस्य नाचिकेतस्य देहो गतसत्वो भूमौ न्यपतत् | पतितं सुतं दृष्ट्वा पितापि किं मयानुष्ठितं पापेनेति ब्रुवन् भूमौ निपपात | tadā kṣamasvēti prārthayamānasyaiva tasya nācikētasya dēhō gatasatvō bhūmau nyapatat | patitaṁ sutaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā pitāpi kiṁ mayānuṣṭhitaṁ pāpēnēti bruvan bhūmau nipapāta |

As he was asking for forgiveness Nachiketa becomes senseless and falls on the ground. Seeing him so fallen down, his father with remorse utters - alas ! what a bad deed have I done and falls down. After a day and night passes, the father sees his son return in a divine chariot : अथ च प्रातर्दिव्यरथेन पुनः प्रत्यागतः सुतः ! Seeing him he says -

न दृष्यते मानुषं ते वपुः - I do not see your mortal body.

Rik samhita gives an interesting answer to these questions[7][9]

यं कुमार प्रावर्तयो रथं विप्रेभ्यस्परि । तं सामानु प्रावर्तत समितो नाव्याहितम् ॥४ yaṁ kumāra prāvartayō rathaṁ viprēbhyaspari । taṁ sāmānu prāvartata samitō nāvyāhitam ॥4 (Rig. Veda. 10.135.4)

Yama says, Nachiketa, you have flown over the Vipras (brahamans) in the sky through your wonderful chariot. I hope while traveling, the consoling words of your father are with you?

Verses and Meanings

In Rig veda 10th Mandala 135th Sukta mantras[7] (1 to 7) mention a story about a rishikumaara (unnamed),very similar to that of Nachiketa [8][15].

यस्मिन्वृक्षे सुपलाशे देवैः सम्पिबते यमः । अत्रा नो विश्पति: पिता पुराणाँ अनु वेनति ॥१

yasminvr̥kṣē supalāśē dēvaiḥ sampibatē yamaḥ । atrā nō viśpati: pitā purāṇām̐ anu vēnati ॥1

पुराणाँ अनुवेनन्तं चरन्तं पापयामुया । असूयन्नभ्यचाकशं तस्मा अस्पृहयं पुन: ॥२

purāṇām̐ anuvēnantaṁ carantaṁ pāpayāmuyā । asūyannabhyacākaśaṁ tasmā aspr̥hayaṁ puna: ॥2

यं कुमार नवं रथमचक्रं मनसाकृणोः । एकेषं विश्वत: प्राञ्चमपश्यन्नधि तिष्ठसि ॥३

yaṁ kumāra navaṁ rathamacakraṁ manasākr̥ṇōḥ । ēkēṣaṁ viśvata: prāñcamapaśyannadhi tiṣṭhasi ॥3

यं कुमार प्रावर्तयो रथं विप्रेभ्यस्परि । तं सामानु प्रावर्तत समितो नाव्याहितम् ॥४

yaṁ kumāra prāvartayō rathaṁ viprēbhyaspari । taṁ sāmānu prāvartata samitō nāvyāhitam ॥4

कः कुमारमजनयद्रथं को निरवर्तयत् । कः स्वित्तदद्य नो ब्रूयादनुदेयी यथाभवत् ॥५

kaḥ kumāramajanayadrathaṁ kō niravartayat । kaḥ svittadadya nō brūyādanudēyī yathābhavat ॥5

यथाभवदनुदेयी ततो अग्रमजायत । पुरस्ताद्बुध्न आततः पश्चान्निरयणं कृतम् ॥६

yathābhavadanudēyī tatō agramajāyata । purastādbudhna ātataḥ paścānnirayaṇaṁ kr̥tam ॥6

इदं यमस्य सादनं देवमानं यदुच्यते । इयमस्य धम्यते नाळीरयं गीर्भिः परिष्कृतः ॥७

idaṁ yamasya sādanaṁ dēvamānaṁ yaducyatē । iyamasya dhamyatē nāḻīrayaṁ gīrbhiḥ pariṣkr̥taḥ ॥7

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Vachaspatyam (Nachiketas)
  2. Vachaspatyam (Naachiketa)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Kodandaramacharyulu. K. (2011) Kathopanishat - Samajikaamsamulu (Pages 78 to 92) from Upanishat Sudha Lahari, Hyderabad: Sahiti Samskritika Samstha
  4. Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1. Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf
  5. 5.0 5.1 Sitarama Sastry. S.(1923) Katha and Prasna Upanishads and Sri Sankara's Commentary. Madras: The India Printing Works
  6. Dvamushsyaayana context : See Page 121 referring to Vatsyayana smriti (17.18) in footnote
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Rig Veda (Mandala 10, Sukta 135) Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":1" defined multiple times with different content
  8. 8.0 8.1 Pt. Jayadevji Sharma, (2008) Rigveda Samhita, Part 7 Ajmer: Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd (Page 609 of PDF) Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":2" defined multiple times with different content
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.
  10. https://sa.wikisource.org/s/h38
  11. 11.0 11.1 Pt. Shridhara Shastri, Pathak (1919) Kaathakopanishat with Shrimad Sankaraacharya Bhashyam Poona: Oriental Book Supplying Agency
  12. sa.wikisource.org/varahapuranam
  13. Mahabharata : Anushasana Parva 71 Adhyaya (Slokas 2 to 21)
  14. Ganguli, K. M. (English Translation) The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Anushasana Parva (Adhyaya 71)
  15. Pt. Harisharana Siddhantalankar (2011) Rigvedabhashyam, Part 7 Rajasthan: Shri Dhoodmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa (Page No 557)