13.070
नाचिकेतोपाख्यानम्
The story of Naciketas.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
दत्तानां फलसम्प्राप्तिं गवां प्रब्रूहि मेऽनघ। विस्तरेण महाबाहो न हि तृप्यामि कथ्यताम् ॥१३-७०-१॥
O sinless one, tell me in detail about the attainment of the fruit of gifting cows. O mighty-armed one, I am not yet satisfied—let it be told. (13-70-1)
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said;
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्। ऋषेरुद्दालकेर्वाक्यं नाचिकेतस्य चोभयोः ॥१३-७०-२॥
Here too, they quote this ancient tradition—the saying of the sage Uddālaka and that of Naciketas, of both. (13-70-2)
ऋषिरुद्दालकिर्दीक्षामुपगम्य ततः सुतम्। त्वं मामुपचरस्वेति नाचिकेतमभाषत ॥ समाप्ते नियमे तस्मिन्महर्षिः पुत्रमब्रवीत् ॥१३-७०-३॥
The sage Uddālaka, having performed the initiation, then said to his son Naciketa, "You serve me." When that discipline was completed, the great sage spoke to his son. (13-70-3)
उपस्पर्शनसक्तस्य स्वाध्यायनिरतस्य च। इध्मा दर्भाः सुमनसः कलशश्चाभितो जलम् ॥ विस्मृतं मे तदादाय नदीतीरादिहाव्रज ॥१३-७०-४॥
For one engaged in ceremonial touching and devoted to self-study, the sacrificial sticks, grass, flowers, pot, and water near—what I have forgotten, please bring that from the riverbank and come here. (13-70-4)
गत्वानवाप्य तत्सर्वं नदीवेगसमाप्लुतम्। न पश्यामि तदित्येवं पितरं सोऽब्रवीन्मुनिः ॥१३-७०-५॥
Having gone there and not having obtained all that, as it was completely submerged by the river's current, he, the sage, said to his father in this way: "I do not see that." (13-70-5)
क्षुत्पिपासाश्रमाविष्टो मुनिरुद्दालकिस्तदा। यमं पश्येति तं पुत्रमशपत्स महातपाः ॥१३-७०-६॥
Then, suffering from hunger and thirst, the sage Uddālaka, being greatly austere, saw his son as Yama and cursed him. (13-70-6)
तथा स पित्राभिहतो वाग्वज्रेण कृताञ्जलिः। प्रसीदेति ब्रुवन्नेव गतसत्त्वोऽपतद्भुवि ॥१३-७०-७॥
Thus, struck by his father's thunderbolt-like words, with joined palms, even as he was saying "be gracious", he whose life had departed fell to the ground. (13-70-7)
नाचिकेतं पिता दृष्ट्वा पतितं दुःखमूर्छितः। किं मया कृतमित्युक्त्वा निपपात महीतले ॥१३-७०-८॥
Seeing Naciketa fallen, his father, overcome with grief, exclaimed "What have I done?" and collapsed onto the ground. (13-70-8)
तस्य दुःखपरीतस्य स्वं पुत्रमुपगूहतः। व्यतीतं तदहःशेषं सा चोग्रा तत्र शर्वरी ॥१३-७०-९॥
He, afflicted by sorrow, embraced his son, and the rest of that day passed; there, too, the dreadful night (passed). (13-70-9)
पित्र्येणाश्रुप्रपातेन नाचिकेतः कुरूद्वह। प्रास्पन्दच्छयने कौश्ये वृष्ट्या सस्यमिवाप्लुतम् ॥१३-७०-१०॥
O best of the Kurus, Naciketas, touched by his father's falling tears, quivered on the silk bed like grain soaked by rain. (13-70-10)
स पर्यपृच्छत्तं पुत्रं श्लाघ्यं प्रत्यागतं पुनः। दिव्यैर्गन्धैः समादिग्धं क्षीणस्वप्नमिवोत्थितम् ॥१३-७०-११॥
He questioned his praiseworthy son, who had returned, again—he was covered with divine fragrances, as if awakened after sleep had passed. (13-70-11)
अपि पुत्र जिता लोकाः शुभास्ते स्वेन कर्मणा। दिष्ट्या चासि पुनः प्राप्तो न हि ते मानुषं वपुः ॥१३-७०-१२॥
Indeed, son, you have conquered auspicious worlds by your own deeds. By fortune you have returned again; truly, your form is not human. (13-70-12)
प्रत्यक्षदर्शी सर्वस्य पित्रा पृष्टो महात्मना। अन्वर्थं तं पितुर्मध्ये महर्षीणां न्यवेदयत् ॥१३-७०-१३॥
The witness of all, having been questioned by the great-souled father, appropriately revealed him in the assembly of the fathers among the great sages. (13-70-13)
कुर्वन्भवच्छासनमाशु यातो; ह्यहं विशालां रुचिरप्रभावाम्। वैवस्वतीं प्राप्य सभामपश्यं; सहस्रशो योजनहैमभौमाम् ॥१३-७०-१४॥
Having promptly carried out the command to depart, I indeed went, and having reached the vast and splendid-radiant Vaivasvatī assembly hall, I saw it stretching for thousands of yojanas, golden and earthly. (13-70-14)
दृष्ट्वैव मामभिमुखमापतन्तं; गृहं निवेद्यासनमादिदेश। वैवस्वतोऽर्घ्यादिभिरर्हणैश्च; भवत्कृते पूजयामास मां सः ॥१३-७०-१५॥
As soon as he saw me coming towards him, he offered me a seat in the house and instructed me to take it. Vaivasvata (Yama), with arghya and other honors, received me with reverence for your sake. (13-70-15)
ततस्त्वहं तं शनकैरवोचं; वृतं सदस्यैरभिपूज्यमानम्। प्राप्तोऽस्मि ते विषयं धर्मराज; लोकानर्हे यान्स्म तान्मे विधत्स्व ॥१३-७०-१६॥
Then I slowly said to him, who was surrounded by respected members: O Dharmarāja, I have reached your realm; grant me those worlds which I am truly worthy of. (13-70-16)
यमोऽब्रवीन्मां न मृतोऽसि सौम्य; यमं पश्येत्याह तु त्वां तपस्वी। पिता प्रदीप्ताग्निसमानतेजा; न तच्छक्यमनृतं विप्र कर्तुम् ॥१३-७०-१७॥
Yama said to me, 'You are not dead, gentle one.' But the ascetic said to you, 'See Yama.' Your father, whose brilliance equals blazing fire; O brāhmaṇa, that cannot be made a falsehood. (13-70-17)
दृष्टस्तेऽहं प्रतिगच्छस्व तात; शोचत्यसौ तव देहस्य कर्ता। ददामि किं चापि मनःप्रणीतं; प्रियातिथे तव कामान्वृणीष्व ॥१३-७०-१८॥
You have seen me; now return, dear father. He who performs your funeral rites mourns for your body. I will give you anything also that your mind desires; O beloved guest, ask for whatever you wish. (13-70-18)
तेनैवमुक्तस्तमहं प्रत्यवोचं; प्राप्तोऽस्मि ते विषयं दुर्निवर्त्यम्। इच्छाम्यहं पुण्यकृतां समृद्धाँ; ल्लोकान्द्रष्टुं यदि तेऽहं वरार्हः ॥१३-७०-१९॥
Thus addressed by him, I replied: I have gained that purpose of yours which is difficult to reverse. I wish to see the prosperous worlds of the virtuous, if I am worthy of a boon from you. (13-70-19)
यानं समारोप्य तु मां स देवो; वाहैर्युक्तं सुप्रभं भानुमन्तम्। संदर्शयामास तदा स्म लोका; न्सर्वांस्तदा पुण्यकृतां द्विजेन्द्र ॥१३-७०-२०॥
That god placed me on the vehicle, yoked with steeds, radiant and resplendent, and then, O best of Brāhmaṇas, made me behold all the worlds of the virtuous. (13-70-20)
अपश्यं तत्र वेश्मानि तैजसानि कृतात्मनाम्। नानासंस्थानरूपाणि सर्वरत्नमयानि च ॥१३-७०-२१॥
I saw there radiant mansions of the self-controlled, of many forms and shapes, all made of jewels. (13-70-21)
चन्द्रमण्डलशुभ्राणि किङ्किणीजालवन्ति च। अनेकशतभौमानि सान्तर्जलवनानि च ॥१३-७०-२२॥
There were objects as bright as the full moon, adorned with rows of tiny bells, possessing the wealth of many hundreds, and containing groves with water inside. (13-70-22)
वैडूर्यार्कप्रकाशानि रूप्यरुक्ममयानि च। तरुणादित्यवर्णानि स्थावराणि चराणि च ॥१३-७०-२३॥
There are objects lustrous like cat's eye gems and the sun, composed of silver and gold, shining with the hue of the youthful sun—these include both immobile and mobile beings. (13-70-23)
भक्ष्यभोज्यमयाञ्शैलान्वासांसि शयनानि च। सर्वकामफलांश्चैव वृक्षान्भवनसंस्थितान् ॥१३-७०-२४॥
Mountains made of edible and enjoyable materials, garments, beds, and trees bearing all wish-fulfilling fruits standing within the houses. (13-70-24)
नद्यो वीथ्यः सभा वापी दीर्घिकाश्चैव सर्वशः। घोषवन्ति च यानानि युक्तान्येव सहस्रशः ॥१३-७०-२५॥
Rivers, streets, assembly halls, reservoirs, tanks, and everywhere are seen, and thousands of vehicles, all yoked, resound everywhere. (13-70-25)
क्षीरस्रवा वै सरितो गिरींश्च; सर्पिस्तथा विमलं चापि तोयम्। वैवस्वतस्यानुमतांश्च देशा; नदृष्टपूर्वान्सुबहूनपश्यम् ॥१३-७०-२६॥
I saw many rivers flowing with milk, mountains, ghee, pure water, regions permitted by Vaivasvata, and very many places I had not seen before. (13-70-26)
सर्वं दृष्ट्वा तदहं धर्मराज; मवोचं वै प्रभविष्णुं पुराणम्। क्षीरस्यैताः सर्पिषश्चैव नद्यः; शश्वत्स्रोताः कस्य भोज्याः प्रदिष्टाः ॥१३-७०-२७॥
After seeing everything, I, Dharmarāja, said to the great and ancient Viṣṇu: “These ever-flowing rivers of milk and ghee—for whom have they been appointed for enjoyment?” (13-70-27)
यमोऽब्रवीद्विद्धि भोज्यास्त्वमेता; ये दातारः साधवो गोरसानाम्। अन्ये लोकाः शाश्वता वीतशोकाः; समाकीर्णा गोप्रदाने रतानाम् ॥१३-७०-२८॥
Yama said: Know that these (pleasures) are for you to enjoy; those who are givers, virtuous, and give the essence of cows (their due) attain other worlds which are eternal, free from sorrow, and filled with those devoted to cow-giving. (13-70-28)
न त्वेवासां दानमात्रं प्रशस्तं; पात्रं कालो गोविशेषो विधिश्च। ज्ञात्वा देया विप्र गवान्तरं हि; दुःखं ज्ञातुं पावकादित्यभूतम् ॥१३-७०-२९॥
Truly, mere giving of these cows is not commendable; the recipient, the time, the particular kind of cow, and the method must be considered. O brāhmaṇa, only after knowing these distinctions among cows should they be given; for the pain arising from fire and the sun must be understood. (13-70-29)
स्वाध्यायाढ्यो योऽतिमात्रं तपस्वी; वैतानस्थो ब्राह्मणः पात्रमासाम्। कृच्छ्रोत्सृष्टाः पोषणाभ्यागताश्च; द्वारैरेतैर्गोविशेषाः प्रशस्ताः ॥१३-७०-३०॥
The Brāhmaṇa rich in Vedic study, who is highly ascetic and follows the Vaitāna ritual, is considered the proper recipient of these cows. Those cows that have been abandoned due to hardship, those that have come for nourishment, and these types of cows—qualified by these criteria—are esteemed. (13-70-30)
तिस्रो रात्रीरद्भिरुपोष्य भूमौ; तृप्ता गावस्तर्पितेभ्यः प्रदेयाः। वत्सैः प्रीताः सुप्रजाः सोपचारा; स्त्र्यहं दत्त्वा गोरसैर्वर्तितव्यम् ॥१३-७०-३१॥
After fasting with water for three nights, on the ground, satisfied cows (should be) given to those appeased. Women, after giving (cows) that are pleased along with their calves, of good progeny and with proper offerings, should live for three days subsisting on products of the cow. (13-70-31)
दत्त्वा धेनुं सुव्रतां कांस्यदोहां; कल्याणवत्सामपलायिनीं च। यावन्ति लोमानि भवन्ति तस्या; स्तावद्वर्षाण्यश्नुते स्वर्गलोकम् ॥१३-७०-३२॥
By giving a cow of virtuous vows, milked with a bronze vessel, having an auspicious calf, and not prone to straying, one attains the heavenly world for as many years as there are hairs on her body. (13-70-32)
तथानड्वाहं ब्राह्मणाय प्रदाय; दान्तं धुर्यं बलवन्तं युवानम्। कुलानुजीवं वीर्यवन्तं बृहन्तं; भुङ्क्ते लोकान्संमितान्धेनुदस्य ॥१३-७०-३३॥
Thus, one who, having given to a brāhmaṇa a tamed, strong, youthful bull fit for yoke and maintaining the lineage, enjoys heavenly worlds according to the merit of the giver of the cow. (13-70-33)
गोषु क्षान्तं गोशरण्यं कृतज्ञं; वृत्तिग्लानं तादृशं पात्रमाहुः। वृत्तिग्लाने सम्भ्रमे वा महार्थे; कृष्यर्थे वा होमहेतोः प्रसूत्याम् ॥१३-७०-३४॥
Among cows, they say that one who is forbearing, a refuge for cows, grateful, and reduced in means is a deserving recipient; whether the loss of livelihood is from hardship, distress, a great purpose, agriculture, or sacrificial reasons, or in the matter of offspring. (13-70-34)
गुर्वर्थे वा बालपुष्ट्याभिषङ्गा; द्गावो दातुं देशकालोऽविशिष्टः। अन्तर्जाताः सुक्रयज्ञानलब्धाः; प्राणक्रीता निर्जिताश्चौदकाश्च ॥१३-७०-३५॥
Cows may be given for the sake of the teacher or for nourishing calves; the place and time are not specified. (Such cows) include those born at home, those well purchased, obtained with knowledge, bought with one's own earnings, those won, and those received in water rites. (13-70-35)
नाचिकेत उवाच॥
Nāchiketa said;
श्रुत्वा वैवस्वतवचस्तमहं पुनरब्रुवम्। अगोमी गोप्रदातॄणां कथं लोकान्निगच्छति ॥१३-७०-३६॥
Having heard the words of Vaivasvata, I again spoke to him: How does one who does not give cows attain the worlds of the givers of cows? (13-70-36)
ततो यमोऽब्रवीद्धीमान्गोप्रदाने परां गतिम्। गोप्रदानानुकल्पं तु गामृते सन्ति गोप्रदाः ॥१३-७०-३७॥
Then wise Yama said: "Giving a cow grants the highest attainment. There are alternatives to cow donation, but except for an actual cow, these also count as cow donations." (13-70-37)
अलाभे यो गवां दद्याद्घृतधेनुं यतव्रतः। तस्यैता घृतवाहिन्यः क्षरन्ते वत्सला इव ॥१३-७०-३८॥
Who, even when there is no gain, gives a ghee-bestowing cow, being of restrained vow—for him, these ghee-carrying (cows) flow forth like affectionate mothers to their calves. (13-70-38)
घृतालाभे च यो दद्यात्तिलधेनुं यतव्रतः। स दुर्गात्तारितो धेन्वा क्षीरनद्यां प्रमोदते ॥१३-७०-३९॥
When one attains ghee and, being restrained in vows, donates a sesame-cow, he is rescued from hardships by that cow and rejoices in the river of milk. (13-70-39)
तिलालाभे च यो दद्याज्जलधेनुं यतव्रतः। स कामप्रवहां शीतां नदीमेतामुपाश्नुते ॥१३-७०-४०॥
When one, at the gaining of sesame and with disciplined observance, gives a water-cow, he attains and enjoys this cool river that flows as desired. (13-70-40)
एवमादीनि मे तत्र धर्मराजो न्यदर्शयत्। दृष्ट्वा च परमं हर्षमवापमहमच्युत ॥१३-७०-४१॥
Dharmarāja showed me such and similar things there. And having seen them, O Acyuta, I experienced the greatest joy. (13-70-41)
निवेदये चापि प्रियं भवत्सु; क्रतुर्महानल्पधनप्रचारः। प्राप्तो मया तात स मत्प्रसूतः; प्रपत्स्यते वेदविधिप्रवृत्तः ॥१३-७०-४२॥
I also announce a dear intention to you all: I have obtained a great sacrifice, though performed with little wealth, O dear one; that sacrifice, initiated by me, will be conducted in accordance with Vedic rules. (13-70-42)
शापो ह्ययं भवतोऽनुग्रहाय; प्राप्तो मया यत्र दृष्टो यमो मे। दानव्युष्टिं तत्र दृष्ट्वा महार्थां; निःसंदिग्धं दानधर्मांश्चरिष्ये ॥१३-७०-४३॥
Indeed, this curse by you is for my benefit; having obtained it, I saw Yama. Having seen the greatly valuable assembly of charity there, I shall practice the acts of charity without doubt. (13-70-43)
इदं च मामब्रवीद्धर्मराजः; पुनः पुनः सम्प्रहृष्टो द्विजर्षे। दानेन तात प्रयतोऽभूः सदैव; विशेषतो गोप्रदानं च कुर्याः ॥१३-७०-४४॥
The Dharma King also said this to me, O best of Brahmins, repeatedly and with great delight: "Dear one, you were always devoted to charity; you should especially perform the gift of cows." (13-70-44)
शुद्धो ह्यर्थो नावमन्यः स्वधर्मा; त्पात्रे देयं देशकालोपपन्ने। तस्माद्गावस्ते नित्यमेव प्रदेया; मा भूच्च ते संशयः कश्चिदत्र ॥१३-७०-४५॥
The wealth that is pure and not despised, given in fulfillment of one's own duty, should be offered to a worthy recipient at the proper place and time. Therefore, cows must certainly be given by you always; do not have any doubt about this at all. (13-70-45)
एताः पुरा अददन्नित्यमेव; शान्तात्मानो दानपथे निविष्टाः। तपांस्युग्राण्यप्रतिशङ्कमाना; स्ते वै दानं प्रददुश्चापि शक्त्या ॥१३-७०-४६॥
These (women) in former times always gave, possessing peaceful minds, established on the path of giving; they performed severe austerities without hesitation; indeed, they gave charity as well, according to their ability. (13-70-46)
काले शक्त्या मत्सरं वर्जयित्वा; शुद्धात्मानः श्रद्धिनः पुण्यशीलाः। दत्त्वा तप्त्वा लोकममुं प्रपन्ना; देदीप्यन्ते पुण्यशीलाश्च नाके ॥१३-७०-४७॥
At the proper time, abandoning envy to the extent of their ability, those who are pure-minded, faithful, and virtuous in conduct, having given charities and practiced austerity, attain that other world, and the virtuous shine in heaven. (13-70-47)
एतद्दानं न्यायलब्धं द्विजेभ्यः; पात्रे दत्तं प्रापणीयं परीक्ष्य। काम्याष्टम्यां वर्तितव्यं दशाहं; रसैर्गवां शकृता प्रस्नवैर्वा ॥१३-७०-४८॥
This lawfully obtained gift should be presented, after examining, to a worthy twice-born recipient. On the auspicious eighth day, a period of ten days should be observed, using products of the cow— such as milk, dung, or urine. (13-70-48)
वेदव्रती स्याद्वृषभप्रदाता; वेदावाप्तिर्गोयुगस्य प्रदाने। तीर्थावाप्तिर्गोप्रयुक्तप्रदाने; पापोत्सर्गः कपिलायाः प्रदाने ॥१३-७०-४९॥
One who gives a bull becomes as one who has observed the vow of the Veda; by gifting a pair of cows, one attains the Veda. By giving a cow with its proper accompaniment, one attains the merit of a pilgrimage; by gifting a tawny cow, one is released from sin. (13-70-49)
गामप्येकां कपिलां सम्प्रदाय; न्यायोपेतां कल्मषाद्विप्रमुच्येत्। गवां रसात्परमं नास्ति किं चि; द्गवां दानं सुमहत्तद्वदन्ति ॥१३-७०-५०॥
Even by giving a single tawny cow, endowed with justice, one is freed from sin by the Brāhmaṇa. There is nothing greater than the essence of cows; the donation of cows is said to be very great. (13-70-50)
गावो लोकान्धारयन्ति क्षरन्त्यो; गावश्चान्नं सञ्जनयन्ति लोके। यस्तज्जानन्न गवां हार्दमेति; स वै गन्ता निरयं पापचेताः ॥१३-७०-५१॥
Cows sustain the worlds through their gifts; and cows produce food for the world. Whoever, understanding this, does not honor the heart of cows, he indeed, evil-minded, will go to hell. (13-70-51)
यत्ते दातुं गोसहस्रं शतं वा; शतार्धं वा दश वा साधुवत्साः। अप्येकां वा साधवे ब्राह्मणाय; सास्यामुष्मिन्पुण्यतीर्था नदी वै ॥१३-७०-५२॥
Whether it is for you to give a thousand cows, a hundred, half a hundred, or ten with good calves, or even one to a virtuous brāhmaṇa, that (gift) indeed, at that sacred ford, would be (as meritorious as) a river. (13-70-52)
प्राप्त्या पुष्ट्या लोकसंरक्षणेन; गावस्तुल्याः सूर्यपादैः पृथिव्याम्। शब्दश्चैकः सन्ततिश्चोपभोग; स्तस्माद्गोदः सूर्य इवाभिभाति ॥१३-७०-५३॥
By attainment, nourishment, and protection of the world, cows are equal to the rays of the sun on the earth. Likewise, as there is one sound, continuity, and enjoyment; therefore, the giver of cows shines like the sun. (13-70-53)
गुरुं शिष्यो वरयेद्गोप्रदाने; स वै वक्ता नियतं स्वर्गदाता। विधिज्ञानां सुमहानेष धर्मो; विधिं ह्याद्यं विधयः संश्रयन्ति ॥१३-७०-५४॥
The student should choose a teacher at the time of gifting cows; he indeed is certainly the proclaimer and the giver of heaven. For those who know the procedure, this is a very great duty; indeed, all other rites depend upon the foremost procedure. (13-70-54)
एतद्दानं न्यायलब्धं द्विजेभ्यः; पात्रे दत्त्वा प्रापयेथाः परीक्ष्य। त्वय्याशंसन्त्यमरा मानवाश्च; वयं चापि प्रसृते पुण्यशीलाः ॥१३-७०-५५॥
This gift, obtained by just means, should be given to worthy twice-born after careful examination, and you should ensure it is properly delivered. Both gods and men place their hope in you, and we too—all of us of virtuous nature—regard the offering you present. (13-70-55)
इत्युक्तोऽहं धर्मराज्ञा महर्षे; धर्मात्मानं शिरसाभिप्रणम्य। अनुज्ञातस्तेन वैवस्वतेन; प्रत्यागमं भगवत्पादमूलम् ॥१३-७०-५६॥
O great sage, thus addressed by Dharmarāja, I bowed with my head to the righteous one and, permitted by Vaivasvata, returned to the feet of the blessed one. (13-70-56)
