Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.3707

c9.3707

VAISAMPĀYANA.
1) 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).
2) Other details.
(i) It was Vaiśampāyana who told the story of Bhārata composed by Vyāsa, to King Janamejaya. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 1, Stanza 20).
(ii) Vaiśampāyana told Janamejaya the story of Bhārata at the instruction of Vyāsa. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 60, Verse 22).
(iii) Vaiśampāyana praised Mahābhārata and spoke of its greatness. (M.B. 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.