KATHOPNISHAD CHAPTER 1 SHLOKA-7

                                              वैश्वानरः प्रविशति अतिथिः ब्राहम्हणों गृहान

                                               तस्यैताम शान्ति कुर्वन्ति हर वैवसयतोदकं -7

              

                WHEN ATITHI -GUEST-ENTERS HOUSE OF A BRAHMAN,HE IS LIKE FIRE 

                                    AND THE HOST OFFERS HIM WATER -7

     This Shloka we are told the usual custom in Ancient India . The guest is like God  and when he comes to the home of GRUHASTHI or the host - a Brahman -has to honor him  and offer him water  and food and satisfy his thirst and hunger etc. So we are told that there is a proper way of behavior bay house holder.We are responsible for treating him with dignity and if WE do not do it , that is a sin  and we are deviating from out duties . 

    This is the beginning of the Nachiket's visit to Yama the God of death. Since the father although in anger stated that he was going to give the Son -Nachiket to the Yama , the boy decided that he must have some reason to do so or say so. So he does go to the God of Death Yama.The God of death is BRAHMAN and he follows all the laws that apply to the behavior of Good host. So Nachiket goes to him and he is not there. So the guest -Nachiket is not offered the water or food etc . 

    One has to understand that many things  are not described in detail and some of the things are left out imagination . When there is mention of the proper behavior of the host, we are to understand that the Yama did not do it as he was not there  and one can not ask a question as to how did a mortal -Nachiket went to the home of Yama.
     One additional understanding is that the Yama is not the supreme GOD. This is a position just like in our life there is a Mayor  and Governor and President , these are positions or authority and function. They are 'better' than ordinary person but not ultimate God.So they have to follow the usual laws of behavior and they do and they also have limitations. The God does not need to MOVE or go from one place to other as he is THERE ALL OVER - ALL PERVADING.So when it is stated that the Yama was not at home -he has home  and he was out to the JOB  and he came back - indicates that he is a God with power but he is still limited.So he has to follow the binding rules  and regulations of the proper behavior.