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To gain several boons, quick and swift
Vajasravas did his wealth all gift;
Cattle, goods and all his land
Small, large, worthless and grand.
Father, will I soon follow next?
Asked his son in a manner perplexed.
Once, twice, nay - thrice did he ask
Whereupon the father took him to task;
Yes! He declared in an angry breath:
"I shall bequeath you to the Lord of Death".
Now, taking the father at his word,
The son at Yama’s door hovered;
Three nights did Nachiketa wait
Patiently by Lord Yama’s gate.
O’ who be this - did Dhumorna declare
For a visitor to our abode is indeed rare!
Yes, a guest to his home was seldom so ever,
So on learning this, the guilty Yama did aver:
"Now, who be this who waits outside
Eager to visit and with me reside?
Why, my son! I have done you wrong,
For I have kept you out three nights long!
Since I have allowed you to thus languish,
Pray, let me grant any 3 boons you wish!"
Upon this came the answer clear:
"Return me at once to my father dear,
Make my father so wise, realise..
That wealth & cattle albeit nice
Cannot be deemed truly a sacrifice;
May he welcome me without anger fraught
May my father be free from anxious thought;
Teach me the secrets of death and life
Helping us combat in struggles rife;
Let us be content and relish
Counting our blessings and gains,
For while all things perish
Truth and truth alone remains."
Ah - Nachiketas, we all have near
Guarding us in crucial times of fear,
Guiding, steering - keeping us alive
Helping us to survive and thrive;
Nachiketa the child - that brave youth,
Symbolising purity and absolute truth.
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Nachiketa
