The Mahabharata was narrated to King Janamejaya by the sage Vaishampayana, who was a disciple of Vyasa. Vyasa is traditionally regarded as the author and compiler of the Mahabharata, and he imparted the epic to Vaishampayana. At the snake sacrifice (sarpa satra) conducted by Janamejaya, Vaishampayana recited the Mahabharata to the king upon his request to learn about his ancestors and the history of the Kuru dynasty. This narration by Vaishampayana is considered the first telling of the Mahabharata on earth
. In summary:
- Vyasa composed and taught the Mahabharata to Vaishampayana.
- Vaishampayana narrated the Mahabharata to King Janamejaya during the snake sacrifice.
- This event marks the initial oral transmission of the epic to the king and his court
