The sage who fathered Vyasa with Satyavati.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.
Parashara is a sage and the father of Vyasa by Satyavati. The Vishnu Purana is traditionally attributed to him.
While Satyavati ferried him across the Yamuna, Parashara fell in love with her. Their son Vyasa was born on an island in the river. Parashara changed her smell from that of fish to a sweet fragrance, and restored her virginity.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.