[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c7.53 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.53 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.53 - **Language:** English ### [c7.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.53) 8) Gaṇapati wrote the Mahābhārata. After the death of the Kauravas and the Pāṇḍavas sage Vyāsa entered again into meditation. But, the whole story of the Bhārata reflected in the mirror of his mind. He wanted to translate the story into a great poem and requested Brahmā to suggest a suitable person to write the story on his dictation, and Brahmā suggested Gaṇapati at once. Then Vyāsa thought about Gaṇapati and he appeared before the sage. But, Gaṇapati did not appreciate the idea of serving as Vyāsa's scribe. So he stipulated a condition that he would write down the poem provided Vyāsa dictated it in such a manner that he had not to lay down his pen once before the epic was completed. To this Vyāsa stipulated the counter condition that when he dictated without the least interruption or pause Gaṇapati should not write down the matter without understanding the meaning of it. And, under such conditions the composition of the Mahābhārata was completed within three years. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 1, Verses 74-80). - [Previous: c7.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.52) - [Next: c7.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.54) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) ## Linked texts (1) - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.53) · Pramāṇa