Uddaalak Muni
See also
Ashtaavakra
Uddaalak Muni is very well known Rishi. He is the son of Aaruni (one of the
three main disciples of Rishi Dhaumya)
and the grandson of Baajshravaa. He had two sons named Nachiketaa and
Shwetaketu and a daughter Sujaataa.
Sujaataa was married to one of his disciples, Kaahod; and their son was
Ashtaavakra.
Dialog With King Jaivaali
Once Muni Uddaalak had a
dialog with Raajaa Jaivaali which is given in Brihadaaranyak Upanishad.
Dialog With His Son Shwetaketu
Once he had a dialog with his own son Shwetaketu which is given in
Chhaandogya Upanishad.
Uddaalak in Kathopanishad
Once Muni Uddaalak did a Yagya. In that Yagya he had to donate everything whatever
he had. So he donated everything. While he was donating everything he donated his
large herd of cows also. The cows were very weak. His 16-year old son, Nachiketaa,
was watching all this. He curiously asked his father - "Father, You are donating
everything you have. You have me also. To whom you will give me?" Uddaalak Muni
tried not to hear anything, but his son did not stop asking. At last he replied -
"I will give you to Yam Raaj." and became busy in his work. But the son
took his words true and he set off for his journey to Yam Raaj's Lok. What happened
next?.... is all given in Kath Upanishad.
|