---
type: Reference
title: "Kaṭha Upaniṣad"
description: "The dialogue of Naciketā and Yama; source of the chariot analogy of the Self and the faculties."
tags:
  - primary-source
  - Upanishad
  - shruti
darshana:
  - Vedānta
timestamp: "2026-06-24"
okf_version: "0.2"
---

# Kaṭha Upaniṣad

## What It Is

An Upaniṣad of the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda recounting young Naciketā's questioning of Yama (Death) about what lies beyond death. It gives the famous chariot analogy mapping Ātman, Buddhi, Manas, and the senses.

## Why It Matters Here

Cited for Ātman, the antaḥkaraṇa hierarchy, and the inner architecture of the person.
