Table of Contents
The Family tree of Sage Veda Vyasa
Lord Veda Vyasa was an empowered being, a Shaktyavesha Avatara of Lord Vishnu, also called an Ansha Avatara. He was born to Sage Parashara and Satyavati. Hence, he came from the dynasty of Sage Vashishta, the preceptor of Sri Ramachandra. Sage Vasishtha’s son is Sage Shakti. Sage Shakti fathered Sage Parashara and Veda Vyasa is the son of Sage Parashara.
Birth of Veda Vyasa
Vyasa Deva’s full name is Sri Krishna Dvaipayana. Once, a fisher woman named Kali ferried Sage Parashara across the river. Anticipating the future, Sage Parashara said- “You must deliver a son.”
The frightened fisherwoman exclaimed- “I am unmarried.” However, the Sage reassuringly said- “Do not worry, even after your pregnancy, you shall remain a virgin”
Since Vyasa was born on an island, to this fisherwoman who was then known as Dvaipayana. Owing to his dark complexion he is called Krishna. Hence comes the name Krishna Dvaipayana. Later, by his mother’s consent Veda Vyasa performed severe austerities in the woods.
However, he promised to appear at her call. Eventually, Satyavati married King Shantanu. The marriage resulted in two sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya. However, her eldest son, Chitrangada died battling with the Gandharvas.
Thereafter, Vichitravirya ascended the throne and married the two princesses of Kashi, Ambika and Ambalika.
Sadly, he too died before providing heirs to his kingdom.
Rishi Vyasa helps Satyavati
When Bhishma refused his coronation, Sage Vyasa helped mother Satyavati. He willingly granted the clan three male heirs namely Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura, through Ambika, Ambalika and a Shudra woman who served the two princesses.
Thus he relieved Satyavati of her distress.
The Names of Sage Veda Vyasa
Since he expanded the Vedas, he is called Veda Vyasa. Also residing in Bhadrivan he earned the name Badarayana.
Vyasa writes the Mahabharata
Along with Vedas, he also compiled the great epic Mahabharata, 18 Mahapuranas and the Brahma Sutras (Eternal aphorisms).
Alongside, Sage Narada met Veda Vyasa inspiring him to compile the great Srimad Bhagavatam (Describing pastimes of Lord Krishna).
Vyasa- The Vishnu Incarnation
The Shastras proclaim Vyasa to be a direct incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He solely appeared for the diversification of the Vedas and to bless mankind. Astonishingly, he comes among Lord Vishnu’s 24 incarnations. Thus, Lord Veda Vyasa is an epitome of mercy.
He has also compiled a scripture from memory called Vyasa Smriti.
The whole of Bharat is forever indebted to Sri Veda Vyasa for his kind contribution. Till Sanatana Dharma exists in the land of Bharath, Vyasa shall remain immortal.
Besides, Veda Vyasa is also called ‘Jagadguru’, or the world teacher. Hindu households seek his blessings on Guru Poornima. Such is his esteem.
Test your Alignment with the Spiritual Subject Matter (only 7-8 Questions)
The scores generated in this Quiz are relative. There are no right or wrong answers. A percentage towards 100 indicates that you are more aligned to the overall subject matter.
The Pandavas marry Draupadi
Maharshi Vyasa could see the past, present and future. During Pandavas’ disguised residence in Ekachakra, Maharishi Vyasa informed them about Draupadi.
He clearly said that she was destined to be their wife. Hence they should certainly attend her Swayamvara in Panchala. In fact, he inspired Drupada to wed her to the five Pandava brothers by retelling the story of her past life.
Thus Sage Veda Vyasa played a great role in integrating the foremost Mahabharata characters. Vysa personally attend Yudhishtira’s Rajasuya sacrifice and proclaimed-
“13 years from today, the Kuru dynasty shall face a massive outbreak. You shall be the instrumental cause of Duryodhana’s destruction.” Hence, we see the great seer’s ability to penetrate into the future and baffle man through his acute predictions.
Kauravas trouble the Pandavas
On Shakuni’s instigation, Duryodhana wished to kill the exiled Pandavas. However, Vyasa stopped him from committing the sin. Thus, He continued to guide souls on the path of Dharma, to whatever extent he could.
We get to see this trait when he advises the Kuru king Dhritarashtra. “You should not have exiled the Pandavas and deceitfully defeated them in the game of dice. Duryodhana wants to murder the Pandavas. Hence, stop your obstinate son from destroying the Kuru dynasty. Otherwise, the Pandavas shall vanquish your entire clan.” The ambitious king however never pondered over his wise words. Thus the seer could read the people’s minds.
Sage Veda Vyasa imparts divine vision
Sage Veda Vyasa imparted divine vision to Sanjaya. As a result, he could clearly watch the war like a television screen. Besides, he also earned the privilege of beholding the Lord’s Vishwaroopam.
In addition, he tasted the nectarine teachings of Bhagavad Gita heard only by Arjuna. Such is the rare privilege bestowed on Sanjaya by Veda Vyasa..
Such is his mercy. Thus, through every act, he only wished good for the soul.
Sage Vyasa stops Ashwattama
When the impulsive Ashwattama released his Brahmastra weapon, Arjuna countered it. Sage Vyasa immediately intervened and stopped the mighty attack. Such was his power. Hence, we learn about his compassion towards the living entities.
He ensured no harm befell on the innocent creation.
Dhritarashtra sees his deceased sons
During Dhritarashtra’s retirement, the Pandavas visited him in the forest.
Fortunately, Sage Vyasa too arrived. There Dhritarashtra expressed the sorrow of parting with his adorable sons and enquired- “What is the afterlife of the deceased warriors.
I heartily wish to see my relatives.” The merciful sage imparted his yogic powers to the blind king so that he could witness his bereaved kinsmen. Subsequently, He stood amidst the Ganges and invoked the dead.
Pulled by his impeccable austerties, the souls at once arrived. As a result, Yushishtira, Kunti, and Dhritarashtra heartily behooved their relatives.
Janamejeya sees his father Parikshit
On hearing the tale from Vaishampayana, King Janamejaya greatly yearned to behold his father Parikshit.
Fortunately, Sri Veda Vyasa was present. So, he fulfilled his desire and called King Pariskshit. Thereafter Janamajeya served his father to his heart’s content.
Hence, we see the heights of spiritual attainment in the life of Sage Veda Vyasa. Thousands of obeisances unto the respectable Veda Vyas, the compiler of the Mahabharata.
Son of Veda Vyasa
Krishna Dvaipayana’s entire lineage is glorious. Sage Veda Vyasa pleased Lord Shiva by his austerities. As a result, he sired Sukadeva Goswami. Sukadeva is Vyasa’s own dear son.
Interestingly he stayed in his mother’s womb for 16 whole years. Sukadeva Goswami is known to render the pious Bhagavatam and liberate King Parikshit.
His devotion is Supreme. Sage Vyasa was extremely fond of his son. Hence, after compiling the Srimad Bhagavatam, he personally taught it to his son.
Vyasa’s love for Sukadeva Goswami
However, when Sukadeva Goswami renounced the world, sage Vyasa cried in pain saying- “Do not leave me, Come back.” Astonishingly the entire ecosphere replied- “Father, did you call me?”
Such was the elevated state of Sukadeva Goswami, his son. In fact, Shri Vyasa’s entire family came with a divine purpose.
You display your love by reading this valuable material. So kindly read and consider financially supporting us to keep our efforts going with renewed vigor! Supporters in India can donate via Razorpay while those abroad can use PayPal!
