vyasa

Vyasa, also known as Vedavyasa or Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, is a legendary sage in Hindu tradition revered as the compiler and arranger of much of the Vedic and post-Vedic literature. The name Vyasa means “compiler” or “arranger,” reflecting his role in organizing oral traditions into canonical form. In traditional accounts, he divided the Vedas into four parts—the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva—to preserve and transmit sacred knowledge.

Vyasa is credited with composing or organizing the Mahabharata, the Puranas (the 18 major Puranas), and other related works. The Mahabharata, including the Bhagavad Gita, is said to have been narrated by Vyasa to his student Vaishampayana, who then recited it to others, with later editors and redactors contributing to the version known today. The Puranas are attributed to him in many traditions, and these texts have played a central role in Hindu religious and cultural history.

Life and lineage: In myth, Vyasa is the son of the sage Parashara and the fisherwoman Satyavati (sometimes called Matsya). He is often described as having been born on the island of Dvaipayana. Through his life and writings, he is depicted as a key transmitter of Vedic knowledge and a foundational figure in the storytelling and philosophical lineage that shapes much of Hindu literature.

Legacy: Vyasa is venerated across Hindu traditions as a profound teacher and compiler whose attributed works have deeply influenced Hindu literature, theology, and practice. His legacy extends through the epic Mahabharata and the Puranas, which continue to be central sources for myth, philosophy, and devotion in South Asia.