Nachiketa 


Nachiketa was a boy who attained sagehood. He carried the knowledge from heaven to the earth. He had a great memory, it was enough for him to hear anything only once, and he could repeat it the very next moment.

Later, he was sent to an ashram to study. After returning from the ashram, Nachiketa attended a big sacrifice organised by his father. During the ceremonies of the sacrifice, he repeatedly asked his father, whom he would be gifted to. Angered, his father Vajashravas gifted him to the God of Death. Nachiketa was thrilled. He reached the palace of King Yama. At the door of the place, he performed penance for three days. When Yama returned to his palace, he was pleased to see Nachiketa. He asked him for three things. First of all, Nachiketa asked for the mental peace of his father. Then he wanted to know the knowledge of fire. Finally, he asked for nimavidya (knowledge of self). Nachiketa returned to the earth as Maharishi (a great sage).