Vyaasa’s Birth

The following text is from the Mahabhaaratha Tatparya Nirnaya written by Madhwaachaarya, and translated by Sri Hariprasad Nellitheertha.

Excerpts from Chapter 10: Vyasavataranuvarnanam

The Prayer

The devathes along with Chaturmukha Bramha prayed to Lord Naarayana thus: “All the shastras, along with the Vedas, have been destroyed by Kali; therefore, please take an avataara on earth to uplift the Vedas and compose the shastras. Please destroy Kali with the weapon of true shastras, and grant your world to the true devotees”.

“Kali is hiding in the hearts of everyone without being seen, without being realised. There is no one apart from you who can destroy him..."

The Supreme One, assured the devathes that he would appear on earth.

The Parents

Rishi Parashara was the grandson of Vasishta, who was the spiritual son of the lotus-born Bramha. Parashara performed penance in order to obtain Lord Hari as his son.

A pleased Lord, directed Parashara to approach the extremely beautiful adopted daughter of Dasharaja, the chieftain of fisher-folk. He said, “Satyavati is her name; Even though I do not have any birth, I will be born in her as your son".

Satyavati was working as a boat-woman when Parashara approached her and Lord Hari, the one without any birth or death, immediately appeared in her as if he has been born in a woman due to a man. Lord Hari sometimes appears after the coming together of a man and woman in order to create confusion about his true nature.

Vyaasa

Lord Vyaasa, the teacher of the world; was the colour of pure Indra Neelamani; his feet were red in colour with the lines of chakra, shankha and lotus on his palms and feet.

In order to show compliance with the rules of the world, he underwent the Upanayana ceremony and imparted knowledge to his father and also gave both his parents the boon that he would appear before them by their mere remembrance.

Lord Vyaasa composed the Brahmasutras, the Mahabharata, the Bhaagvata and other Puranas, and divided the Vedas into four. He composed the Vaishnava Puranas, which were based on the Pancharatras; and the Brahma Puranas with the exalted meaning of the Vedas.

Lord Hari, in the form of Vyaasa, also known as Krishna Dwaipayana, spread the rays of complete knowledge and removed the darkness of ignorance that had spread in the world, and radiated like the sun. He continues to impart true knowledge, residing in Uttara Badari Kshetra.

To be continued...