(Nachiketas): I give thee now another boon. This fire
(sacrifice) shall be named after thee. Take also this garland of
many colours.


XVII

He who performs this Nachiketa fire-sacrifice three times, being
united with the three (mother, father and teacher), and who
fulfills the three-fold duty (study of the Vedas, sacrifice and
alms-giving) crosses over birth and death. Knowing this
worshipful shining fire, born of Brahman, and realizing Him, he
attains eternal peace.


XVIII

He who knows the three-fold Nachiketa fire and performs the
Nachiketa fire-sacrifice with three-fold knowledge, having cast
off the fetters of death and being beyond grief, he rejoices in
the realm of heaven.


XIX

O Nachiketas, this is thy fire that leads to heaven, which thou
hast chosen as thy second boon. People will call this fire after
thy name. Ask the third boon, Nachiketas.

Fire is regarded as "the foundation of all the worlds," because