Vedas 35 - Kathopanishad Part 1 B - Nachiketaa Goes To Meet Yama -The Ruler Of Death Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Nachiketaa was a dutiful son and kept his word.
Before leaving, he spoke to his father;
"The mortal man becomes mature, becomes old and dies;
Like the harvest of grains that ripens and decays;
Man is re-born, just like the grain that springs up again.
Everything perishes but Truth alone remains.
Why then, dear Dad, are you afraid to sacrifice me? "

Nachiketaa convinced his father that
He should remain true to his word,
Even though, it was thoughtlessly spoken
In a fit of anger.
There was no going back on his word now.
He must send his son to the world of
Yama -The Ruler of Death.

Nachiketaa travelled to the abode of Yama,
But was unable to meet the Ruler of Death.
Yama was away on another mission.
The young boy waited for Yama in his house,
Patiently, for three days without any water or food.
Though he was offered hospitality by the members of the house
Nachiketaa, had refused any kind of hospitality in Yama's absence.

When Yama returned to his abode
He was surprised,
To see a young boy waiting for him,
That too, starving for three days.
Yama was impressed
By the boy's strong will and persistence.
He decided to compensate for the lapse in his hospitality.

The Ruler of Death spoke gently to the boy:
"O Young Braahmana!
My salutations to Thee!
You are my revered guest here.
You have remained in my house
Starving, without any food for three nights.
I am happy to bestow Thee with three boons of your choice".

Nachiketaa replied:
"The first boon I ask for is:
My father be free from all worries and anxiousness,
May he dissolve all his anger against me,
And, become composed and peaceful.
When I am sent back by Thee,
May I be welcomed by my father."