Age is not a criterion when it comes to acquiring knowledge. Angirasa knew the Vedas even at birth. He would teach even those older than him.

Likewise, Parasara was also highly knowledgeable when he was young and sages would come to him for instruction.

Once, sage Markandeya went to see Parasara. So learned and senior he was the sages there stood up in respect. But Markandeya paid his respects to Parasara. He told Parasara that when it came to Brahma gnana, he was not equal to Parasara. Parasara had the blessings of his grandfather Vasistha and sage Pulastya.

Three questions

His disciple Maitreya asked him three questions. They were: who created the world, who sustained it and who will bring about its end.

Parasara's answer was that Vishnu was the One who created, sustained and destroyed.

Vishnu Purana is in the form of a conversation between Parasara and Maitreya. It is considered a gem among the Puranas.

When Parasara was in his mother's womb, he recited the Vedas, much to the astonishment of Vasistha.

Parasara was the son of Sakthi, son of Vasistha. Sakthi's wife carried Parasara in her womb for 12 years. It was Vasistha who gave Rama His name. Vasistha was so tormented by the death of his sons that he wanted to give up his life. But it was the anxiety to see his grandchild that kept him alive.

Kept his grandfather alive

Thus Parasara had the distinction of keeping his grandfather alive. He also kept up the family tradition of scholarship and acquisition of knowledge. And this acquisition began even when he was in his mother's womb.

He gave an indication of the kind of sage he would be when he grew older, by revealing his knowledge of the Vedas, even as a foetus. The child, who in its mother's womb recited the Vedas, was the one whose knowledge resulted in Vishnu Purana.

Source: The Hindu