SHIVA – The Source of Life Skills : Ganesh: Saint Vyas’s Amanuensis

Saint Vyas, the compiler of the Vedas had codified the eighteen Puranas.  Still he did not get satisfaction.  He thought deeply and continually for the ways and means to elevate the common people from sins and bring amelioration to all.  Having conceived the fabulous story of the Mahabharat Vyas approached Lord Brahma and extolling him said:“O Lord and creator of all beings, I have imbibed a grand story.  This will certainly do well to your progenies and teach them all morals and ethics.”Vyasa then gave a brief account of the story.  
He continued: “O Pithama, I do not see anyone capable of writing down this great work and help me.”Lord Brahma who was overjoyed with the words of Vyas answered him with the affectionate words:“Saint Vyas,” answered Brahma, “invoke Ganapati.  He is the wisest and the noblest of lords who is also compassionate and intelligent.  He would certainly give consent to any proposal beneficial to mankind.”
“Is Ganapati so great?” asked Vyasa from Brahma, “Tell me, O father of all living beings, who is  this Ganesh, what his appearance is and how can he be known.” “Saint Vyas,” said the progenitor: “He is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati and is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  He had taken eight incarnations in different yugas. His first birth was as son to Kasyapa and Atithi in the Krita Yuga.  He is golden in colour, pot bellied, elephant headed, four armed with bright twinkling eyes.  For your last question as to how he can be known, the answer is difficult because all the Vedas and Vedantas are searching to know him.”Having said this Brahma disappeared. Vyas meditated on Lord Ganapati.  The Lord appeared before the saint. “I am highly pleased with your penance on me, O saint,” said Ganapati.  “Please tell me what your wish is!” “Lord,” said Vyas, “I have composed a wonderful story and see nobody capable of taking down to my dictation.  You may kindly help me in this cause.”
“So be it.” Said Ganapati, “but there is one condition.” “What is that, my Lord?” “That is, as I start writing, you shall not pause or stop as you wish.” “No,” said Vyas, “but, however, I have a request.” “What is it?” “It is this,” said Vyas, “that you may kindly understand the meaning of what I compose before you write it down.”
Ganapati understood the knotty request and agreed to it.  Thus Lord Ganapati became the amanuensis of saint poet Vyas. Having agreed on mutual terms, Vyas handed over bunches of dry palm leaves to Ganapati to jot down the epic.  There was, however, no instrument to write with.  Seeing the disadvantage of Vyas, Ganapati broke his own tusk and made use of it as a pen.  This was an unparallel gesture in the history of services to mankind.

(The writer can be contacted at shanmukhankkumar@gmail.com)

( To be concluded)