Reading outline · Narrative and dialogue
Naciketas visits Death
The sacrifice and a question from Naciketas lead to his father’s declaration that he gives him to Death.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
A father’s words
The sacrifice and a question from Naciketas lead to his father’s declaration that he gives him to Death.
Vâgasravasa, desirous (of heavenly rewards), surrendered (at a sacrifice) all that he possessed. He had a son of the name of Nakiketas. When the (promised) presents were being given (to the priests), faith entered into the heart of Nakiketas, who was still a boy, and he thought: "Unblessed, …
Three nights and three boons
Death offers three boons in response to the guest’s wait. The first concerns reconciliation, the second a sacrificial fire.
"Fire enters into the houses, when a Brâhmana enters as a guest. That fire is quenched by this peace-offering; — bring water, O Vaivasvata! A Brâhmana that dwells in the house of a foolish man without receiving food to eat, destroys his hopes and expectations, his possessions, his …
The question of death
Naciketas asks what happens after death and refuses the pleasures offered instead.
Nakiketas said: "There is that doubt, when a man is dead, — some saying, he is; others, he is not. This I should like to know, taught by thee; this is the third of my boons." Death said: "On this point even the gods have doubted formerly; it …
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
A father’s words. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Three nights and three boons. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The question of death. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
A father’s words
The sacrifice and a question from Naciketas lead to his father’s declaration that he gives him to Death.
Three nights and three boons
Death offers three boons in response to the guest’s wait. The first concerns reconciliation, the second a sacrificial fire.
The question of death
Naciketas asks what happens after death and refuses the pleasures offered instead.