Three Questions asked by Nachiketa to Yama

myNachiketa
18 hours ago
4 min read

The story of Nachiketa from the Kathopanishad is one of the most inspiring stories in Hindu philosophy. Nachiketa was a young boy full of curiosity and courage, who even went to Yama (the god of death) to find answers about life, death, and the Atman (the true self). Let us find out the three questions or boons that Nachiketa asked Yama and learn about the wisdom, patience, and the importance of seeking truth.

myNachiketa presents 3 Questions asked by Nachiketa to Yama for children to read and learn about life, death, the soul (Atman), and the importance of seeking truth with courage and curiosity.

Nachiketa's journey to Yama's house

Long ago, there was a boy named Nachiketa. He was very intelligent, honest, and curious about life. His father, Rishi Vajashrava, once performed a big yajna (sacrifice) where he had to give away many cows as gifts. But instead of giving healthy cows, he gave away old, weak cows that could not give milk.

Nachiketa felt this was not right. He wanted his father to give with a pure heart, so he asked his father to donate most precious and valuable possessions. He asked his father again and again, “Father, to whom will you give me?” At first, his father ignored him and did not answer his question. But when Nachiketa kept asking, his father said, “I will give you to Yama, the God of Death! He will answer all your questions”. Nachiketa was a truthful boy. He took his father’s words seriously. So, he went to Yama’s home.

Three Questions asked by Nachiketa to Yama 1

When Nachiketa reached Yama’s abode, Yama was not there. Nachiketa waited outside for three days and nights without food or water. He did not complain or get upset.

When Yama returned, he was surprised to see such a young boy waiting patiently. Feeling sorry, Yama said, “Dear child, you have stayed here without food for three days. To make up for this, I will grant you three boons (wishes).

Nachiketa’s Three Boons

First Boon – Peace with His Father

Nachiketa asked, “When I return home, may my father welcome me with love and not be angry.” Nachiketa wanted to reunite with his father and also bring peace to his heart so that could understand the truth behind his journey. Yama smiled and granted this wish immediately.

Second Boon – Knowledge of the Fire Sacrifice

Nachiketa then asked to learn the sacred Agni Vidya (fire ritual), which helps a person reach heaven. Yama obliged and shared the deep understanding of fire rituals, which were significant in Hindu worship and everyday life. This knowledge was not just about creating flames; it was about understanding how a simple fire could represent purity, offering, and sacrifice. By learning to perform fire rituals correctly, Nachiketa could help others live with faith, connect with the God, and walk on the path of dharma.

Third Boon – What Happens After Death

For his third boon, Nachiketa asked the most difficult question: "Some say the soul exists after death, others say it does not. Tell me the truth—what really happens after death?”

At first, Yama tried to avoid answering. He offered Nachiketa wealth, long life, beautiful gifts, even kingdoms, but Nachiketa refused. He said, “These things do not last. I want to know the truth about the soul.”

Three Questions asked by Nachiketa to Yama 2

Finally, Yama was impressed by the boy’s courage and wisdom. He explained:

The body dies, but the Atman (soul) never dies.
The soul is eternal, unchanging, and one with Brahman (the Supreme Truth).
True peace and happiness come only when we realize this eternal Self.

When we realize that the Atman within us is the same as the infinite Brahman, we understand that our true Self is beyond change, beyond pain, and beyond fear.

The Teachings from Nachiketa's three questions

From this story, we learn:

Be truthful and fearless like Nachiketa.
Material things (wealth, pleasures) do not last, but knowledge and truth are eternal.
The soul never dies—it is immortal and divine.
Even a child’s search for truth can lead to the highest wisdom.

Dear children, think of the sun in the sky. Every day, it rises and sets. Sometimes clouds cover it, but does the sun stop shining? No! It’s always there. In the same way, our body may change like the day and night, but our soul is like the shining sun—always there, always bright.

So, children, the story of Nachiketa teaches us that real wisdom is not about riches or pleasures, but about knowing who we truly are. When we understand that the Atman, our true Self, is eternal like the shining sun, we become fearless, peaceful, and full of joy. Just like Nachiketa, may we always ask questions, seek truth, and live with courage.