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The story of Shakuntala

Shakuntala is Dushyanta's wife and Emperor Bharata's mother in Hindu mythology. Her narrative is described in the Mahabharata and has been dramatized by various playwrights, with Kalidasa's play Abhijnakuntala being the most famous adaptation.

Birth

Vishwamitra began to meditate in order to attain the status of a Brahmarshi. Indra was terrified by the severity of his penance. He was afraid that Vishwamitra was want his throne. Indra sent Menaka, to draw him out of his penance and bring him back to life. Menaka approached Vishwamitra when he was meditating and began to entice him. Vishwamitra's penance was shattered since he couldn't control his lust and longing. Vishwamitra and Menaka were married for a few years and had a daughter together. Vishwamitra later learned that what he had seen was Indra's ruse. He knew he needed to learn to manage his emotions. Before returning to heaven, Vishwamitra left Menaka, who left the baby near Rishi Kanva's hermitage.

Marriage with King Dushyanta

Shakuntala was first encountered by King Dushyanta while travelling through the wilderness with his soldiers. He was on the hunt for a male deer who had been injured by his firearm.  Dushyanta offered Shakuntala his personal royal ring as a symbol of his pledge to return to his realm before leaving.

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