Nachiketa stood at Yama's doorstep for three days waiting for Yama's arrival; Yama was impressed by Nachiketa's resoluteness, and offered him three boons. Firstly, Nachiketa requested that his father may welcome him lovingly upon his return home; next that he be granted the knowledge by which he can be worthy of living in the heavens; and lastly he may attain knowledge of the eternal soul, the Atma, which transcends death.
Nachiketa waited at Yama's door for three days before Yama arrived. Impressed by Nachiketa's resolve, Yama granted him three wishes. First, Nachiketa asked that his father greet him warmly upon his return; secondly, he sought knowledge to live in the heavens; and lastly, he desired understanding of the eternal soul, Atma.