VYASA THE GREAT SAGE

                          

Vyasa was a wise sage and the author of the Mahabharata. His name means "one who explains in detail." He was called "Vedavyasa" because he divided the Vedas into four parts.

Birth and Early Life

Vyasa was born to the sage Parashara and a fisherwoman named Kali, also called Matsyagandha (meaning "fish-smelling"). A magical event led to her birth—King Vasu's semen fell into a river, and a fish swallowed it. This fish was actually a celestial woman under a curse. When caught and cut open, she gave birth to twins: a boy and a girl. The boy became a king, and the girl, Kali, was raised by a fisherman.

One day, the sage Parashara met Kali while she was ferrying him across a river. He was attracted to her and created a magical fog for privacy. He blessed her so that she would remain a virgin even after giving birth. She gave birth immediately to a son, Vyasa, who grew up quickly and left to meditate in the forest.

Spiritual Life

Vyasa spent his life as a hermit, teaching the Vedas to students in the forest. He once saw baby birds being lovingly fed by their parents, which awakened his desire for a child. He prayed for a son and, through divine power, had a son named Suka, who later became a great sage. Vyasa’s disciples included Vaisampayana, Jaimini, and Suta, who helped spread his teachings.

Role in the Kuru Dynasty

Vyasa’s mother, Kali (now called Satyavati), later married King Shantanu and became queen of Hastinapura. When her son’s royal lineage faced extinction, she called Vyasa to father children with the widowed queens. His children, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura, became the ancestors of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Vyasa guided both families during their struggles.

Writing the Mahabharata

Vyasa later retreated to the Himalayas. Reflecting on life, he composed the Mahabharata, dictating it to Lord Ganesha. The great epic was completed in two and a half years.

Many Vyasas

Hindu scriptures say that Vyasa is one of many sages who appear in different ages to divide and organize the Vedas. The next Vyasa will be Ashwatthama, son of Drona.

Vyasa’s wisdom continues to inspire people worldwide.