Saint Veda Vyasa: Veda Vyasa is the traditional author of the Mahabharata and Puranas, as well as the traditional compiler of the Vedas, some of the most important works in the Hindu tradition. The name Krishna Dvaipayana refers to his complexion and birth place. He was born on an island in the river Yamuna and was named Krishna Dvaipayana because of his dark complexion and birth place. It is believed that the name "Veda Vyasa" is a title rather than an actual name. Dvaipayana was given the title as he mastered the one combined Vedic scripture and divided it into four parts — Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.