Character
Vyasa: FAQ & Sources
व्यासSage who composed the Mahabharata and arranged the Vedas. Also called Veda Vyasa, Krishna Dvaipayana, Badarayana.
Vyasa is the sage who composed the Mahabharata, arranged the Vedas and gave Sanjaya the divine sight through which the Bhagavad Gita is narrated.
RoleSage who composed the Mahabharata and arranged the Vedas
GroupSages
FatherParashara
MotherSatyavati
First appearsMahabharata, Adi Parva
In the GitaGave Sanjaya the divine sight
Frequently asked questions
Who was Vyasa?
The sage traditionally credited with composing the Mahabharata and dividing the Vedas into four.
Why is he called Krishna Dvaipayana?
Dvaipayana means island-born, as he was born on an island in the Yamuna, and Krishna refers to his dark complexion.
What is Vyasa's role in the Bhagavad Gita?
He gave Sanjaya the divine sight, so that Sanjaya could narrate the war and the Gita to Dhritarashtra.
Who wrote down the Mahabharata for Vyasa?
By tradition, Ganesha, on the condition that Vyasa dictate without pausing.
What is Guru Purnima?
The day when Vyasa is remembered as the first great teacher of the Vedic tradition.
Sources and further reading
- Mahabharata, Adi Parva
- Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana on Vyasa's arrangement of the Vedas
- Bhagavad Gita, Gita Supersite (IIT Kanpur)
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