Story of Veda Vyasa

As intimated 6th July 2009 is Guru Poornimaa and Vyasa pooja will be done. Sannyasins will commence their Chaturmasya vratha.

I felt it is apt to share the story of Veda vyas at this juncture.

knr

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1.SAGE VEDAVYASA

1.1 Sage Vedavyasa is considered as Lord’s incarnation

The 'Mahabharata' remains a marvel in the literature of the world. Veda Vyasa
was the sage who gave the world this Storehouse of realism, wisdom and
compassion. And he was the guide to whom seven generations of the high and the
humble looked up in hours of sorrow and darkness.

During the end of Dwapara Yuga period there were about 1180 Vedic Shakhas. Most
recessions are in Sama Veda. In that time people used to memorize all the 1180
shakhas.

Lord clearly saw the weakening Intellectual and Physical powers of humans in the
coming Kali Yuga. So he descended in two forms - one as Lord Krishna for
"Dhushta Samharam" and another one as Krishna Dvaipayana - as a son of Sage
Parashara to save the Vedas at least to the extent possible.

It was the Lord in the form of Sage Krishna Dvaipayana, we call as Veda Vyasa.
Krishna Dwaipayana - 'Krishna' because he was dark colored, 'Dwaipayana' because
he was born on an island in the Yamuna.

His hermitage was in Badari and he was therefore called 'Badarayana'also.

His works were - Compiling the Vedas and 18 Major Puranas, Lord also narrated
Mahabharata containing 1,00,000 slokas. Since he was an avatar , he could write
in many styles. (Ref:- "The Vedas" by Kanchi Mahaperiava.)

Everybody knows about sage Vedavyasa. So introducing the sage through stories is
not a must. Hence I am telling in detail not much known information and stories
about him. About known things I make a passing remark for refreshing. Still the
story of Vedavyasa is a lengthy one.

1.2 Sage Vedavyasa’s family

Sage Vedavyasa’s father was sage Parashara. Sage Parasara was the grand son of
sage Vasistha. Vasistha was the author of Vishnu Purana

Sage Veda vyasa’s mother was Satyavati also known as Matsya Gandhi. Satyavati
was born to king Uparichara and an apsara Girika who had to take form as a fish
due to a curse. When sage Parasara met Satyavati she was having the smell of
fish. With his Tapasya Parasara covered her with the sweet fragrance of Kasturi
(the musk)

Sage Veda vyasa had 4 sons. Upon the request of his mother Satyavati through
Ambika he had the son King Pandu, through Ambalika he had the son King
Dhritarashtra, through a Palace maid son Vidurar .Ambika and Ambalika were
Princess who were the widowed wives of Chitrangadan and Vichithra Veeryan.
Vyasa’s fourth son was sage Sugan

1.3 Birth of sage Sugan

His son "Suga Bramham" authored Srimad Bhagavata. Regarding Sage Suga Bramham
what is told is the "Potent" of Sage Vyasa was accidentally consumed by a Parrot
thus giving birth to "Sage Suga Bramham" .

1.4 Vyasa leaves for Badrayanam immediately after birth

Vyasa grew into manhood shortly after his birth. He was already well versed in
the Vedas, the Shastras, the Purans, Poetry, History and other branches
learning. He was ripe with wisdom.

Vyasa bowed to his mother, touching her feet with his head. Satyavati touch his
head lovingly. Vyasa stood up with folded hands and said: "Mother, if ever you
wish to see me, please think of me in your mind and I shall come, no matter
where I am."

I shall do so, my child," she said. Veda vyasa took leave of her and left for
Badari for his 'tapas'.

1.5 Birth of Pandu , Dhritharashtra and Vidurar.

King Shantanu was ruling in his capital Hastinavati. One day he met Satyavati
who was still virgin after giving birth to Vedavyasa. King Shatanu married her.
Two children were born to them- Chitrangadan and Vichitraveeryan. Chitrangadan
died very young. Vichitraveeryan died shortly after his marriage. Their wives
were Ambika and Ambalika. They had no issues.

Satyavati was unhappy because the dynasty itself would come to an end. She did
not know what to do. She remembered her son, the great Vyasa from sage
Parasara..

He came to Hastinavati in no time and greeted his mother. "Mother, what is the
matter? I hope all is well with you. Why did you call me? How can I serve you?"

Satyavati explained to him the cause of her anxiety. Vyasa blessed her two
daughter- in-laws each with a son. Ambika gave birth to Dhritarashtra.
Ambalika's son was Pandu. A waiting woman of the palace too got a son. He was
Vidura. Vidura was a very pious man.

The Kauravas were the children of Dhritarashtra. The children of Pandu were
called the Pandavas. Without Vyasa, there would be no Kauravas, no Pandavas and
no Mahabharata War - of course, Mahabharata story too.

1.6 Satyavati go with her son Vedavyasa to the forest-"Come With Me, Mother"

After many years king Pandu died. Once again Satyavati thought of the great
Vyasa. He came and consoled every one. He told them not to lose courage. By that
time, Satyavati had grow very old and weak. She had suffered many misfortunes.
Vyasa sympathised with her and said:

"Mother, it is better for you to come with me to the forest. It is better you
spend the rest of your life in a peaceful meditation and prayer. I shall find a
good place for you. You will love it."

Satyavati agreed. Her daughter-in-laws too were eager to follow her.
Dhritharastra had become king and Pandavas and Kouravas were grown up by the
time. So Vedavyasa agreed to their coming too.

Vyasa and the old women kept walking for many days. They entered a thick forest.
They stopped at the foot of a hill. There were huge trees around, nearby flowed
a gurgling stream, thickly dotted with flowers. It was a well-shaded place.
There was ample drinking water. Vyasa collected leaves and branches of trees and
erected a neat cottage for his mother. He taught her how to make a cup out of
the lotus leaves. He showed her how to fetch water when she was thirsty. She
learnt from him, also, how to collect wild roots and berries for food. He stayed
there for four days, looking after the comforts of hi mother.

The time for parting was drawing, closer. That day came. He bowed down at her
feet and begged her permitting him go. He knew he would not be able to see her
again. He was a 'rishi', no doubt, and he was calm. But even he could not
contain his sorrow.

Satyavati lifted up his head lovingly and embraced him there were tears in her
eyes, too. "Good bye, I wish that you live for a thousand years, happy and
renowned" she blessed him.

After his departure, the three women Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika lived just
like the hermits of the forest. They lived on the wild fruits and roots. They
spent heir last days in prayer.

1.7 Vedavyasa calls on Dhritharasthra
Recollect Stories of Pandavas loosing every thing to Kouravas in repeated Dyes
play….Pandavas were in forest dwelling…

Vyasa came to know about the happenings. He hurried to Hastinavati.
Dhritarashtra received him in his palace touched his feet and requested blessing
. Dhritarashtra was a little nervous because he felt guilty. He feared that
Vyasa would speak about the fate the Pandavas. In fact that was just the purpose
of Vyasa's visit.

Vyasa told him: "Dritarashtra, you are the head the family. Do you think you
have treated the Pandavas fairly? They have been ousted from their home and
hearth. Could you not have stopped it? Why did not you advise your sons against
such an action'

Dhritarashtra was speechless. He stood with his head bent in shame. Just then
Vidura came there. He bowed to Vyasa. "Why, Vidura, did you not advise the
foolish Kauravas? How could you let these things to happen?" Vyasa asked.

Vidura too felt ashamed. There were tears in his eyes. He was very fond of the
Pandavas. He sadly confessed: "Yes. 'Dhritarashtra tried to dissuade his sons.
So did 1. But the wicked Kauravas did not listen to us."

Vyasa looked angrily at his son Dhritarashtra and spoke tauntingly: "0 King, you
have always known the nature of your children. But blinded by your foolish love,
you were helpless. That was why you let these things happen, was it not?"

Dhritarashtra was utterly humbled and became speechless. He knew that Vyasa
spoken truthfully.

Vyasa thundered: "Your sons destined to bring ruin on themselves. That is why
they are so evil. Those that ruined their own brothers( Pandavas) will come to
no good. It is a pity all of you forget that Lord Krishna himself is on
Pandava’s side.

Advise your children, and particularly Duryodhana to restore the kingdom to the
Pandavas. The Kauravas will be destroyed if they earn the enmity of the
Pandavas.

Remember my words -Your sons have to pay heavily for their sins.." So saying,
Vyasa left the palace. Dhritarashtra trembled. He knew that the words of his
'rishi' father would never prove false.

1.8 Vedavyasa goes to Pandavas

Vyasa then went into the forest looking for the Pandavas. After a few days he came to the place where they were living. Pandavas were delighted to see their rishi thatha. The Pandavas bowed down to the 'rishi'. They had prepared some gruel for their meal. They offered it to the 'rishi thatha ‘. Vyasa was overjoyed their warmth and hospitality.

1.9 Vedavyasa comfort Droupadi

When they began to talk of their life in the forest Droupadi could not hold back her tears. Vyasa was deeply touched. He said, "Daughter, don't grieve. These hardships won't last long. By and by, Dharma will triumph and Adharma (evil) will fall. For the present, you have to put up with these sorrows. The Pandavas are pious and heroic. The very purpose of their birth is to uproot the Kauravas. Do not weep." The Pandavas felt comforted. Vyasa spent a couple of days with them. Then the Pandavas continued their journey.

1.10 Vedavyasa stops Yudhishtira in battlefield

Vyasa frequently visited the Pandavas on the battlefield too. He looked after their welfare. One day, Yudhishtira met Duryodhana on the battlefield. Yudhishtira was very angry and wanted to kill him. He fixed an arrow and was about to bend his bow. All of a sudden came Vyasa and stopped Yudhishtira. He said: "That is not your work. It is your brother Bheema who has vowed to kill Duryodhana. Leave it to him." Yudhishtira obeyed and turned h chariot in another direction.

1.11 Veda vyasa comfort Dhritarashtra

Dhritarashtra heard that his son Duryodhana was dying, He came to the battlefield with Vidura. His grief was beyond words. He fell down and wept bitterly. Just then, Vyasa came. He spoke comforting words: "O King, console yourself. Dhritarashtra cried desperately: I do not desire to live a longer. All my children are gone. What is the good of my life now?"

“These things were destined to happen and your children were bound to come to this fate. Remember the words of Yudhishtira. Did he not offer to give up all enmity even offered to give up his claim to the empire. He was ready to yield if Duryodhana gave him just five villages. But Duryodhana refused†(In this context I recollect the words of Duryodhana “Soochi kuthuvathinu samrajyam Pandavarku Koduthida in Duryodhana Vadham Kathakali story see in my childhood days)
Go home and take back the Pandavas into fold. Treat them like your own children." Thus Vyasa consoled the Dhritharastra and sent him home from the battlefield.

1.12 Veda Vyasa stops curse by Gandhari

Although Yudhistira was a warrior, he was very tenderhearted. On the death of Kauravas Yudhishtira became very much worried. When he met Gandhari, he was deeply disturbed. He felt as though he himself wronged her.

Gandhari of course was a very pure woman, devoted to her husband. In her sorrow and anger, she was about to curse the Pandavas. When Yudhishtira and his brothers touched her feet her face grew red with anger. Her lips trembled. She was on the point of uttering a curse.

Vyasa was there at hand. He could foresee that delay would prove fatal. He put his hand gently on her head and said: "Look here, child! I am Vyasa. I am here. Gandhari feared him and held back the curse.

"Daughter, check your anger. How are the Pandavas to blame? Think that the Pandavas are your own children," said Vyasa. Gandhari listened to these words of Vyasa, the supreme head of the family and her father in Law. She touched the feet of the mighty sage mamanar. She contained her grief, called the Pandavas to her side and embraced them with affection. So Vedavyasa comforted his junior mattupon and prevented her from cursing her Anna’s children.

1.13 Vedavyasa comforts Yudhistira, Arjuna, Subhadra and Uttara

Vyasa again consoled the sorrow-stricken Yudhishtira telling him about Kshathria Dharma quoting a few stories also. At that instance Arjuna came there with Subhadra and their mattupon Uttara. He comforted them also telling about Kshathria duties.†Why do you grieve? Remember there were great heroes in the past. They are dead and gone. But they have left behind their deathless names." He told Yudhishtira the stories of sixteen brave warriors at this instance.

Then the sage turned to Uttara. He said, "My child, you will give birth to a son who will become a great emperor (King Parikshith). Through him the dynasty of the Pandavas survive. So why do you grieve? Take courage, daughter. Every body touched Vyasa's feet. After blessing every body Vedavyasa then returned to his hermitage.

1.14 Vedavyasa shows Gandhari her children and other dead

Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti became very old. They were tired of the palace. They longed for the calm and peace of the forest. Yudhishtira and others were unwilling to let them go, but finally agreed. Vyasa heard the news. He came part of the way to meet them. He took them to his forest dwelling. They lived peacefully for a month. Then Gandhari began to wish to see her dead children; Kunti longed to see Karna; Dhritarashtra expressed a similar desire to see the dead. Vyasa wanted the Pandavas to be present on the occasion. He sent word to them. One day all of them assembled on the banks of the river Ganga. They eagerly waited for the night to come.

Late at night Vyasa stood in the river and called out the names of the dead, on, by one. One after another they appeared: on the riverbank. On one side stood Duryodhana and all his brothers. On the other were Karna, Abhimanyu and others. They all felt joy beyond description. The night seemed just a minute. When the Morning came those who had come from other worlds disappeared. Such was the power of Vedavyasa’s Tapas.

1.15 Arjuna Laments on Krishna’s death

Thirty-six years passed after the Maha bharata war and Yudhistira made the king.

One day, Lord Krishna gave up his mortal body. Arjuna was miserable and he could not bear the pain of separation. He went to Vyasa and expressed his deep grief. Vyasa spoke to him. "You are lamenting in vain, Arjuna- Krishna came to this world on some mission. He fulfilled the mission, and left this world. Let us cherish his memory. You have also ruled for a number of years. The Dwapara Yuga is almost over. It is better for you all, too, to go to heaven. Give this message to Yudhishtira." Arjuna carried Vyasa's message to Yudhishtira.

(To be continued)

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If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

 Every moment, thank God