Puranic encyclopaedia

by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222

This page describes the Story of Vaishampayana included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).

Story of Vaiśampāyana

General information.

A prominent disciple of Vyāsa. It is mentioned in Devī Bhāgavata, Skandha 1, that the main disciples of Vyāsa were Asita, Devala, Vaiśampāyana, Sumantu, Jaimini, Paila and some others. (See under Bhārata).

Other details.

(i) It was Vaiśampāyana who told the story of Bhārata composed by Vyāsa, to King Janamejaya. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 1, Stanza 20).

(ii) Vaiśampāyana told Janamejaya the story of Bhārata at the instruction of Vyāsa. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 60, Verse 22).

(iii) Vaiśampāyana praised Mahābhārata and spoke of its greatness. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 62, Stanza 12).

(iv) Once Vaiśampāyana was overpowered by ignorance, and he killed a Brahmin. It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 6, Stanza 36, that in spite of it he attained heaven.

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