The Hidden Hero of the Mahabharat: Ved Vyas

Maharishi Ved Vyas, Krishna Dwaipayan, Parashara, a legendary sage, and a teacher are the few honorific titles that highlight his profound contribution to ancient Indian literature, spirituality and philosophy. Since he attained spiritual wisdom & insights, Ved Vyas became the most prominent figure in Hinduism. Before Ved Vyas, the Vedas were scattered amongst different schools, sects and institutions. Maharishi Vyas compiled Hindu scriptures together and ensured that Vedic knowledge was saved forever. He not only wrote Mahabharat but also compiled the Vedas (the ancient, sacred scriptures/texts of the Hindu religion) into four parts- Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. The Puranas, like Bhagavata Puranas, are also composed by Ved Vyas.

Ved Vyas = The one who compiled and classified Vedas

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that Ved Vyas is the incarnation of the God Vishnu. Maharishi Vyas was born to a great Rishi Parashara and Satyavati (boatman's daughter) and a descendant of Sage Vasistha (Saptharishi- seven great sages). He was born on an island near the Yamuna River, the place is presently located in Uttar Pradesh, India. Vyas lived most of his life near Ganga, especially the areas near Uttarakhand. Since he was born on an island and had a dark complexion, Ved Vyas was also called Krishna Dwaipayan. He wrote Bhagavata due to Devrishi Narada; it is considered to be his last work to finish his life goal. Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, and Mahabharata have provided wisdom, spiritual enlightenment and guidance.

Eight Immortals, according to Hindu scripture

Ashwatthama - Son of Drona

King Mahabali - Devotee of Lord Vishu

Maharishi Ved Vyas - Mahabharata, Vedas and Puranas

Hanuman - Devotee of Lord Rama

Vibhishana - The righteous brother of Ravana

Kripacharya - The royal guru of Kurus

Parshuram - The sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Markandeya - A sage blessed by Lord Shiva

Ved Vyas is also one of the Eight mortals still living on this Earth. As a timeless spiritual guide, Ved Vyas roams around freely, helping his devotees.

Connection with Pandavas and Kauravas

Maharishi Ved Vyas was born due to the divine intervention arranged between Rishi Parashara and Satyavati. After the birth of Ved Vyas, Satyavati, his mother, was married to King Shantanu who ruled Hastinapur. They were later blessed with two sons – Chitrangada (who died at a young age) and Vichitravirya. Both the sons died without any heirs or successors for the Kuru dynasty.

When no heir was left in the Kuru dynasty, Satyavati, the mother of Ved Vyas, requested him to perform some customs to save the Kuru lineage.

Hence, the three sons - Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura were born.

Ambika was the mother of Dhritarashtra. She was the 1st widow of Vichitravirya. When Dhritarashtra was born, he was blind and became the father of 100 Kauravas. Duryodhana was the eldest son of Kauravas.

Pandu, son of Ambalika, widow of Vichitravirya. He married Kunti and Madri. He had five children known as Pandavas– Yudhistir, Bhim, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahadeva.

Vidura was the son of a maidservant.

Pandavas (Pandu) and Kauravas ( Dhritarashtra) were related to Ved Vyas. He was their biological grandfather.

Seven reasons why Ved Vyas wrote Mahabharata

Mahabharat is an epic poem written by Ved Vyas, chronically describing the greatest Kurukshetra War fought between Pandavas and Kauravas. Ved Vyas was not a warrior, but he learned about Shastras under sages Sanaka, Sananda and many others. He was never part of the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He crafted the stories of heroism, betrayal, divine intervention, loyalty, valour, sacrifice, courage, conflict, etc., so humans can learn and seek the highest knowledge, make correct choices, follow their Dharma and seek higher truths throughout their lives.

1. He wrote Mahabharata to teach humanity about the challenges one faces between Dhrama (Righteousness) and Adharma (Unrighteousness).

2. He wrote Mahabharata as a guiding light during the darkest hours when it's difficult to uphold Dharma. As per Hindu belief, after the end of Mahabharata, the Kali Yug (an era of darkness and ignorance) will begin.

3. Through Mahabharata, we learn life lessons like loyalty, bravery, honour, sacrifice, ethics, leadership, etc, that impact the human mind. He drew attention to the challenges, human qualities, relationships and vulnerabilities faced during that time.

4. The epic war between the Kauravas and Pandavas is a record and a part of Indian history and culture. Through this, we learn about the origin of Bharat- a united kingdom ruled by one king. The written record emphasises morals, ethics, statecraft, culture, art, caste system, governance, etc and is available for future generations to imbibe the learnings.

5. In Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita - a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjun on the battlefield addressed the most profound questions of life, duty and Moksha.

6. The decisions and consequences are not two separate entities. Ved Vyas highlighted the reality of cause and effect, the fight between Dharma and Adharma throughout the Mahabharata.

7. In Mahabharata, he introduced a few of the most complex characters like Bhishma Pitamaha, Draupadi, Duryodhana, Karna, etc, who went through emotional turmoil of hate, jealousy, love, etc. They had their own weaknesses and strengths and how it affected their decisions and relationships.

Facts about Mahabharata

Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe, urged Ved Vyas to compose Mahabharata.

Lord Ganesha assisted Ved Vyas in writing the epic narrative of Mahabharata without pausing.

Mahabharata highlights righteousness and injustice.

It is divided into 18 books known as Parvas and divided into a wide variety of subjects like religion, duty, law, philosophy etc.

The last one concludes the battle of Kurukshetra followed by the end of the Yadava dynasty.

Bhagavad Gita originates during the battle of Kurukshetra.

The greatest battle of Kurukshetra lasted for 18 days.

Pandavas was supported by Lord Krishna, whereas Bhishma and Dron Acharya led Kauravas.

Pandavas left for exile for 13 years, as Yudhistir lost a game of dice against Duryodhana.

The incarnation of Lord Vishu, Krishna, plays a crucial role in helping Pandavas and guiding Arjuna during the epic battle.

Pandavas eventually wins the great battle and rules Hastinapur, but finally leaves their kingdom and embarks on the journey to heaven.

Mahabharata transcends beyond a story of an epic war.

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Article Author

Karuna Sinh

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