Vyasa (, , literally “Compiler”) is a central and revered figure in most
Hindu traditions. He is also sometimes called
Veda Vyāsa (वेदव्यास,
veda-vyāsa, "the one who classified the
Vedas") or
Krishna Dvaipāyana (referring to his complexion and birthplace). He is the author of the
Mahabharata, as well as a character in it. He is considered to be the scribe of both the Vedas and
Puranas. Vyasa is also considered to be one of the seven
Chiranjivins (long lived, or immortals), who are still in existence according to Hindu belief.