Katha Upanishad
Topic: The Vedic Age · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 7 "India's Cultural Roots"
Meaning
The Katha Upaniṣhad is an Upaniṣhad attached to the Yajurveda. It teaches about the self (ātman), the divine essence in every being. Its message is that the ātman is never born and never dies; it is immortal. It is important because it teaches through a vivid story and shows the Upanishadic respect for questions, even from a child.
Example
In the Katha, the boy Nachiketa angers his father during a sacrifice. His father says he will give him to Death. Nachiketa goes to Yama, the god of death. He refuses every offer of wealth and pleasure and keeps asking what happens after death. In the end, Yama teaches him that the ātman is immortal.
Don't confuse with
- Chhāndogya Upaniṣhad: This is the text with the father–son teaching of Uddālaka Āruṇi and Śhvetaketu ("You are That"). It is not the Nachiketa story.
- Kaṭha vs Kaṭhopaniṣhad: These are the same text under two names, not two different works.
Related concepts
- Upanishads
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
- Chandogya Upanishad
- Uddalaka Aruni
- Tat tvam asi
- Nachiketa
- Mundaka Upanishad
- Satyameva Jayate
- Atman
- Brahman