Veda - Sage - Chola

Maharishi Veda

Other names: Rishi Veda. One of the three disciples of Ayoda-Dhaumya, alongside Aruni and Upamanyu. In the Mahabharata, he patiently endured hardship while serving his preceptor, gained knowledge through that discipline, later entered household life, and became the teacher of Uttanka.

“Then Veda the other disciple of Ayoda-Dhaumya was called. His preceptor once addressed him, saying, ‘Veda, my child, tarry some time in my house and serve thy preceptor. It shall be to thy profit.’ And Veda having signified his assent tarried long in the family of his preceptor mindful of serving him. Like an ox under the burthens of his master, he bore heat and cold, hunger and thirst, at all times without a murmur. And it was not long before his preceptor was satisfied. And as a consequence of that satisfaction, Veda obtained good fortune and universal knowledge. And this was the trial of Veda. “And Veda, having received permission from his preceptor, and leaving the latter’s residence after the completion of his studies, entered the domestic mode of life. And while living in his own house, he got three pupils. And he never told them to perform any work or to obey implicitly his own behests; for having himself experienced much woe while abiding in the family of his preceptor, he liked not to treat” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Paushya Parva: Section III them with severity

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