Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.328

c7.328

2) *Śuka, the son of Vyāsa.* Vyāsa longed very much to have a son. Ultimately, after receiving instruction and advice from Nārada, he reached the peaks of Mahāmeru and worshipped Mahādeva and Mahādevī for one year with the one-syllabled mantra OM which is the very seed of word. By now the great tejas (effulgence) of Vyāsa lighted up the whole world. and Indra got nervous and upset. The great Lord Śiva appeared on the scene and blessed Vyāsa that he will have a son who would become a very wise man, very much interested in helping others, and very famous also. Vyāsa returned gratified to his āśrama. One day, while in the process of preparing the sticks for producing fire, thoughts about a son passed through his mind. Fire is produced by the rubbing of two sticks. But, he thought, how could he who had no wife, become the father of a son? While immersed in such thoughts he saw Ghrṭācī standing near him, herself having come along the sky. Vyāsa did not like the presence of Ghrṭācī. Fearing the curse of Vyāsa she assumed the form of a parrot and flew away.