VED VYAS
Maharishi or Maharshi Ved Vyas is one of the greatest sages in Indian history. He is not only a spiritual figure but also a literary genius and philosopher. Known as the author of the Mahabharata and the compiler of the Vedas, he holds a unique and highly respected place in Indian culture.
Birth and early life: Ved Vyas was born to sage Parashara and Matsyagandha (Satyavati), a fisherwoman. His real name was Krishna Dvaipayana. Krishna means dark (his complexion) and Dvaipayana means "island-born" (he was born on an island in the Yamuna river).
Later, he became known as Veda Vyasa, meaning “the divider or compiler of the Vedas.”
📚 Major contributions
1. Division of the Vedas
In earlier times, the Vedas were passed down orally and were very vast and complex.
Ved Vyas divided them into four parts — Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda — and gave them to his disciples:
Rigveda to Paila
Yajurveda to Vaishampayana
Samaveda to Jaimini
Atharvaveda to Sumantu
This division made it easier to study and preserve.
2. Author of the Mahabharata: Ved Vyas composed the great epic Mahabharata, which is considered the longest poem in the world. It contains over 100,000 verses and teaches profound lessons about dharma, duty, righteousness, and life. The Bhagavad Gita, the sacred conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, is part of the Mahabharata.
3. Puranas and Brahma Sutras: He is also credited with composing or compiling 18 Puranas, which contain stories of gods, goddesses, creation, morals, and ancient wisdom. He authored the Brahma Sutras, which explain the philosophy of the Upanishads in a logical way.
🌕 Why Guru Purnima is celebrated in His honour
Guru Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June–July), is celebrated to honour Ved Vyas.
It is believed that on this day, he began teaching his disciples and spreading knowledge.
Since he is considered the Adi Guru (first teacher), all teachers and spiritual guides are remembered and respected on this day.
Symbol of knowledge and devotion
Maharishi Ved Vyas symbolises the importance of: organised learning, spiritual wisdom and selfless teaching. He taught not for fame or reward but to preserve knowledge for future generations.
✨ Legacy: His legacy lives on in temples, scriptures, and every Guru Purnima celebration.
Millions of students, saints, teachers, and spiritual seekers bow their heads in gratitude to this timeless guru.
Did you know?
Lord Ganesha is believed to have written down the Mahabharata as Ved Vyas dictated it.
It is said that Ved Vyas still lives in the Himalayas in spiritual form, guiding those who seek true knowledge.
