Geethartha Chinthane 11: Sage tradition's recognition to Mahabharata

Just as the Vedas hold the recognition of the Rishi tradition and are considered Apaurusheya (not of human origin), the Mahabharata and the Gita hold a similar status. Lord Krishna did not premeditate the words of the Gita on the battlefield. He spoke about what was evident and necessary at that moment. Just as the Vedas are revealed through meditation, the words of the Gita were inspired in Krishna in the same manner. Another work of similar recognition is the Vishnusahasranama.

The Vishnusahasranama was uttered by Bhishmacharya, who lay on a bed of arrows (Sharashaya), and it was Lord Krishna who inspired these mantras. This is why the work is considered timeless/eternal. The purpose of the Mahabharata is not merely to narrate history and stories, but it was composed with the goals of eradicating sin (papakshaya) and attaining salvation (moksha). The essence of the Mahabharata is encapsulated in the Gita, which is why it is referred to as the ‘Sarvabharata Sangraha Roopa’ (the collection of the essence of the entire Mahabharata).

The Gita and the Vishnusahasranama are not merely chapters of the Mahabharata; rather, they have been specially included in the Mahabharata Grantha. It is more accurate to say that these two works are gifts of the Lord’s incarnation rather than being considered occasional or incidental. For this reason, they have been included in the Mahabharata as ‘Upanibandha’ (appendices or supplementary sections).

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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