According to Hindu legend, which deity served as sage Ved Vyasa's scribe while he dictated the epic Mahabharata?

Introduction / Context:
The composition of the Mahabharata is surrounded by many traditional stories that highlight its sacred and monumental nature. One famous legend describes how sage Ved Vyasa dictated the verses while a deity acted as his scribe, writing continuously without pause. This question asks which deity is said to have performed that role. Knowing this story is common in Indian cultural literacy and frequently appears in general knowledge and mythology based exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question explicitly refers to Hindu legend, not to historical fact.
• Ved Vyasa is the sage associated with composing the Mahabharata.
• One of the listed deities is widely known in popular tradition as the scribe of the epic.
• The learner is expected to match the correct deity with this legendary role.

Concept / Approach:
According to the popular story, Ved Vyasa requested Lord Ganesha to write down the Mahabharata as he recited it. Ganesha agreed on the condition that Vyasa would not stop in between, and Vyasa, in turn, insisted that Ganesha understand each verse before writing it. This legend symbolises the combination of wisdom, memory and divine assistance in producing such a vast scripture. Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva are also central deities in Hinduism but are not traditionally described as acting as Vyasa's scribe in this context. The approach is to recall this well known association between Ganesha and writing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key phrase served as sage Ved Vyasa's scribe while he dictated the Mahabharata. Step 2: Recall the common story told in many households and books: Vyasa chose Ganesha to write the epic. Step 3: Remember that Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of learning and writing, which suits the role of a divine scribe. Step 4: Consider that Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva are not typically associated with acting as scribes in this legend. Step 5: Conclude that Ganesha is the deity described in the question and choose Ganesha as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Retellings of the Mahabharata story in children's books, devotional literature and cultural programmes often begin with the scene of Vyasa dictating and Ganesha writing on palm leaves. Many depictions show Ganesha with a broken tusk, which he is said to have used as a pen to keep writing without interruption. This iconographic detail reinforces his identity as the scribe of the Mahabharata and leaves little doubt about the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vishnu is associated with preservation and avatars such as Rama and Krishna, but not with the specific task of writing the Mahabharata. Brahma is traditionally the creator god and is sometimes linked with the creation of the Vedas but not usually as a scribe in this legend. Shiva is known as the destroyer or transformer and appears in other narratives, not as Vyasa's writer. These deities therefore do not fit the particular role described in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners unfamiliar with the story may guess based on the importance of the deity, choosing Vishnu or Shiva. Others may remember that Brahma is linked with scriptures and assume he wrote the epic. To avoid mistakes, it is helpful to remember Ganesha's special association with beginnings, writing and learning, which logically connects him with the role of scribe. The broken tusk story is a strong memory aid for this association.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Ganesha