He will be renowned across the three worlds—a master of the Vedas, a divider of their sacred branches. With these words, the greatest of sages, having united with Satyavatī, swiftly departed, first bathing in the pure waters of the Kālindī. Satyavatī, blessed by the sage, soon found herself with child, and on an island in the Yamunā, she gave birth to a radiant son—an embodiment of desire itself. Remarkably, as soon as the child was born, he addressed his mother, his mind already devoted to asceticism. “Go as you wish, Mother,” he said. “I will now depart to perform austerities. If ever you face a matter of great importance, remember me, and I shall appear.” He assured her further, “At that time, O beautiful one, recall me and I will come swiftly. Farewell, I depart now. Abandon worry and live happily.” Thus, Vyāsa spoke and departed, while Satyavatī returned to her father’s home. Because the child had been born on an island, he came to be known as Dvaipāyana. Immediately upon his birth, by the power of Vishnu’s lineage, he grew rapidly and began to perform the highest austerities at many sacred places. Thus was Dvaipāyana born from Parāśara and Satyavatī. Foreseeing the coming of the Kali age, he arranged the Vedas into their branches. Because he expanded and divided the Vedas, he became known as Vyāsa. He composed the Purāṇas and the great Mahābhārata. He taught the Vedas to his disciples, dividing them among Sumantu, Jaimini, Paila, and Vaishampayana; also to Asita, Devala, and his own son, Shuka. In this way, Sūta explained, all has been told as the reason for these events. The auspicious birth of Satyavatī’s son has thus been described; let there be no doubt about his divine origin. In the lives of the great, only their virtues should be accepted, for this reason Satyavatī’s extraordinary birth—from the belly of a fish—occurred. Her union with Parāśara, and later with Shantanu, happened by destiny; for how else could a sage’s mind be overcome by desire? How could a sage, knower of dharma, act in a way unworthy of the noble? The cause of this wondrous birth has been explained. Whoever listens to this auspicious tale with attention is freed from all sin. Such a person does not fall into misfortune and remains always happy. Now, let me tell you of Shantanu’s birth from Pratipa, since you have already heard of Vyāsa’s origin, whose splendor is immeasurable. Yet, even so, one doubt remains in your minds: Satyavatī, Vyāsa’s mother, has been mentioned—how did the king himself choose her, the daughter of a Nishada? Who was Shantanu’s first wife? Tell us now, for you have already said that King Chitrangada was born. When the heroic Chitrangada died, his younger brother was born, while the eldest, Bhishma, remained—steadfast and handsome. When Vichitravirya died, Satyavatī was overwhelmed with sorrow. Why did that illustrious woman not give the kingdom to Bhishma? Why was unrighteousness committed by Vyāsa, whose power is immeasurable, he who is the author of the Purāṇa and devoted to righteousness? How did that sage perform such a reprehensible act? Vyāsa, you are his disciple and wise—please dispel this doubt. Sūta replied: Satyavat, noble and righteous, was the supreme king and emperor. With a thousand horse sacrifices and a hundred Vājapeya rituals, he pleased Indra, lord of the gods, and attained heaven, being of great intelligence. Once, King Mahābhisha went to the abode of Brahma. There, the great river Ganga was present, serving the Lord. All the gods stood with their faces turned downward, not daring to look upon her. But Ganga, recognizing the king—who was filled with love—also knew him. Brahma, angered by their mutual recognition, swiftly cursed them both in his wrath: “You shall surely obtain embodiment, endowed with great merit.