NACHIKETA

 His is a revered name that figures even in one of the Upanishads,

For Nachiketa was the first spiritual seeker, and also the youngest.

He was a just a tender five year old boy, but blessed with great maturity,

Nachiketa chided his father when he was giving useless goods in charity.

When Nachiketa asked him to whom he would donate his young self,

His father told in sudden rage he would give him to Yama himself.

Though the father regretted the rash words spoken in anger and haste,

Nachiketa went on to meet the God of Death, without a moment to waste.

 However it so happened he could not meet the busy Yama any too soon.

After 3 days, the Death God, seeing his persistence, offered three boons.

The first one was easy, where Nachiketa wanted his father to be a king,

The second, whence he wanted ritualistic knowledge was also no big thing.    

But the Nachiketa’s request against the third boon took away Yama’s breath,

For this little boy wanted to know what transpired after one’s death!

Though Yama tried to dissuade him and ask another instead,

Nachiketa stood his ground and for that boon only insisted.

It is said that though Yama tried all methods of distraction,

Nachiketa finally got enlightenment due to his determination.