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Biography of Vyasadeva

Srila Vyasadeva, also known as Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa or Vedavyasa, is the literary incarnation of Lord Krsna. By the wish of Parasara Muni, he was born as the son of Parasara Muni and Satyavati. With the advent of Age of Hypocrisy and Quarrel (Kaliyuga) coming, the intelligence of the common person would significantly decrease. They will not have neither the capacity to memorize all Vedic literatures nor will they have the ability to understand them. Therefore, He appeared on earth to compile and organize the orally studied Vedas in a concrete form. He divided the Vedic literatures into four Vedas, namely the Rg-Veda, Atharva Veda, Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda. He also compiled upanisads, smrtis, Vedanta sutras, samhitas, and puranas. He also wrote the Mahabharata, which is a history of ancient India describing events until the advent of Kaliyuga. The Mahabharata is accepted by many as the fifth veda.

 

Despite having compiled the Vedic literatures in an organized fashion, He still felt no peace. Narada Muni reminded Him that through these literatures, one will be able to understand the workings of the material universe, the demigods, their modes of worship, the spiritual soul, and some aspects of God. However, none was truly descriptive in the field of loving, devotional service to the Lord. Narada Muni served as the spiritual master to Vyasadeva and instructed Him to write the Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana). It is considered to be the tree of Vedic literature. Vyasadeva was so filled with peace after He wrote the last words down that, He didn’t compile or write anymore. He continued the unbroken tradition which began by Lord Sri Krsna who taught Lord Brahma the science of God. Narada Muni learned it from Lord Brahma and Narada Muni continued the tradition by accepting Vyasadeva. Vyasadeva taught this knowledge to His son, Sukadeva Gosvami. He also accepted Madhvacarya many centuries later.

 

It is said that anyone who discusses any aspect of Vedic literature is considered to be a representative of Srila Vyasadeva. Therefore, the special seat offered to those who speak such discourses are said to be sitting on the “sear of Vyasadeva” known as a “vyasasana.” The anniversary of one’s spiritual master is known as a “Vyasa Puja” day, as the spiritual master is also a representative of Srila Vyasadeva.

 

UPDATED: July 26, 2010