4. The birth of Veda Vyasa
From Sri Ganesha Purana by Dr.Akila Sivaraman
There was a time when worship of the Supreme Lord was on the decline on
earth. None followed the noble ways of life prescribed in Vedic scriptures. Lord
Brahma and Lord Vinayaka were quite distressed at the chaos prevailing everywhere.
When they approached Lord Shiva for help , He directed Lord Vishnu to take
necessary steps to collect Vedas and Puranas and propagate them on earth for
people’s guidance.
On the bank of the river Ganges, there lived a noble sage by name
Parasara. When he was going in a boat to the opposite bank of the river, he
fell in love with the girl in the boat. Lord Maha Vishnu was born as their son,
but very soon he went to Badrikashrama to lead a life of meditation.
In the ashrama, he acquired mastery over the four Vedas- Rig, Yejur,
Sama and Atharvana. So, he was called Veda Vyasa. He proceeded next to learn
all the eighteen puranas from Sanatkumara.
Veda Vyasa desired to render all the Puranas in verse form – i.e. Shlokas
– so that people can easily learn them, get them to heart and recite them to
their benefit. In fact, most of our religious texts have been handed down to
generations as poetic verses only, as they lend themselves easily to be
committed to one’s own memory and for repetition at our will and pleasure.
Unfortunately, Veda Vyasa found himself not competent for this task.
Perplexed as he was, he sought the help and guidance of Lord Brahma.
“In order to help the people on the earth, to get to know Vedic Scriptures,
I tried to render them as simple shlokas which could be easily memorized and
chanted. Unfortunately, I do not find myself equal to the task. Kindly
enlighten me as to where, why and how I have failed to do it”
Lord Brahma immediately mentioned the omission which was responsible
for the failure. “At the beginning of all tasks, Lord Vinayaka is to be
worshipped. He removes all obstacles and crowns every task with success. Right
from Lord Shiva, the Lord Supreme, all of us have to pray to Lord Vinayaka for fulfilment
of any endeavour in the proper direction and details.”
Veda Vyasa now repented for his
serious mistake. He beseeched Lord Brahma himself to give him a detailed
picture of Lord Ganesha’s greatness and glory.
Lord Brahma readily agreed to
enlighten Veda Vyasa in detail about all the illustrious devotees who prayed to
Lord Vinayaka and achieved great success in their lives.
The discourse on Lord Vinayaka thus began which serves as a real eye
opener for all of us before we undertake any task.
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