Avatar of Vishnu as the sage who compiled the Vedas, authored the Mahabharata, Puranas, and Brahma Sutras. Son of Parashara and Satyavati. Considered the original guru and greatest of sages.
Sage with matted hair, seated on a seat. Holds manuscript or palm leaves. Often depicted with his disciples and with Ganesha (who wrote Mahabharata at his dictation).