The Mythological Story of Nachiketa and Yama : PART 1
Indian Mythology is full of countless stories which are passing through the generations by word of mouth. These mythic tales are not only related to spiritual and religious beliefs but showcases the sacrifices and commitments towards their dear and near ones. In this way, Hindu Folklores define a bunch of factual written accounts of important or religious events in the order of their occurrence which are remarkable enough to get famous among Peeps.
The story of Nachiketa and Lord-Yama-The God of Death is one such masterpiece that does not only have an interesting storyline but gives a lesson of inspiration to humans on Earth.
A Brief about the Story:
A sagacious Brahmin boy who once challenged his father- Sage- Vajasravasa, (famous as- Aruni Auddalaki Gautama)at a time of ‘Yagya’ to give him away to someone as a materialistic property. His father-Gautama has promised during a tough- Yagna about sacrificing his all possessions and capitalistic properties to the saints, rishis and the teachers after the Yagna completion. On this account, baby Nachiketa asked his father to donate his own children and wives as a part of sacrifice. And What Happened Next what Out of the World, indeed.
Sarvedasa Yagya: One of the Unique Votive Occasions:
In Katha Upanishada, this mythological narrative has been depicted in a widely manner. Legend holds it, once Sage-Vajasravasa (Rishi- Gautama) announced for a Yagna on a huge level to impress goddesses and gods. He has a wise and shrewd son named- ‘Nachiketa’. Sage Gautama declared to denote his all worldly goods and possessions to the rishis and saints, once the Yagna will get completed. Vajasravasa Rishi was so sharp and miser, he planned to give away his cows that were not capable of yielding milk, since they were too weak and fragile to produce.
Donation of Feeble Cows as a Sacrifice:
As proclaimed in Yagna, he was supposed to give all his possessions including his children and wives, yet he avoided. Meanwhile, he started giving away all his cows to the saints and rishis at the end of Yagna. After noticing his unfair act, little Nachiketa realized that his father is not doing a kind of justice. In this way, he will not get satisfactory outcome by his false sacrifice. At once, Nachiketa questioned his greedy father in the middle of the sacrificial ceremony – Father, to whom, I would be gifted? On purpose, Sage- Gautamaavoided his question and didn’t listen to him as he never wished to donate his dear children and loving wives to any of the saint or a teacher. Deliberately, he continued his donation of his delicate cows to the people over in the Yagna.
Know in Part- 2 what answer Nachiketa received after interrogating about his own sacrifice. Being a canny champ he did a noticeable feat that shocked everybody around (including his father) after hearing his father awful response.