शकुंतला दुष्यंत की कहानी प्राचीन भारत की संस्कृति और साहित्य का एक महत्वपूर्ण अंश है। इस कहानी का वर्णन कलिदास ने अपनी रचना ‘अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तलम्’ में किया है।
शकुंतला एक राजकुमारी थी जो महर्षि काण्व के आश्रम में पल बढ़ी थी। वह बहुत ही सुंदर थी और अपनी संगीत और नृत्य की कला में माहिर थी। एक दिन राजा दुष्यंत उस आश्रम में आया था जहां शकुंतला रहती थी। शकुंतला ने उसे स्वागत किया और उसकी सेवा की।
राजा दुष्यंत शकुंतला की सुंदरता और उनकी कला से प्रभावित हो गए थे। उन्होंने शकुंतला से विवाह करने का फैसला किया और उसे अपनी रानी बनाया। उन्होंने उसे अपने राज्य में ले जाकर उसे खुश रखा। कुछ समय बाद, राजा दुष्यंत को अपने राज्य में काम होने के कारण दूसरी जगह जाना पड़ा। जब शकुंतला गर्भवती हुई तो उसने राजा को सूचित नहीं किया। राजा दुष्यंत भविष्यवाणी जानते थे कि उनका बेटा संसार का सबसे महान व्यक्ति होगा।
Durvasa curse on Shakuntala
शकुंतला ने अपने बच्चे को जन्म देने के बाद राजा को सूचित किया लेकिन उस समय राजा को महर्षि दुर्वासा ने एक शाप दिया था जिसके कारण वह शकुंतला को भूल गया था। शकुंतला ने राजा को बार-बार अपने बच्चे के बारे में याद दिलाने की कोशिश की लेकिन राजा उसे नहीं मानता था। अंततः, एक दिन शकुंतला अपने बच्चे को जंगल में छोड़ दिया और महर्षि कण्व के आश्रम में लौट गई। बाद में, शकुंतला के बच्चे ने एक महान व्यक्ति के रूप में विख्यात हो गया था। उसे अपने पिता के बारे में जानने का ख्याल था लेकिन उसे उसके नाम का ज्ञान नहीं था।
बाद में, राजा दुष्यंत को उसके बेटे के बारे में पता चला और उसे महर्षि कण्व के आश्रम में उसकी पुत्री शकुंतला की याद आ गई। वह अपनी गलती से पछताता था और अपनी पुत्री को ढूंढने के लिए वह उस महान व्यक्ति से मिलने गया था। राजा दुष्यंत को उसका बेटा मिल गया और उसके वर्तमान से पूर्व के समय की यादें उसे फिर से याद आने लगीं। शकुंतला ने भी अपने पति से मिलने का ख्याल रखा था और उसे उसके आश्रम में बुलाया।
अंततः, राजा दुष्यंत और शकुंतला का पुनर्मिलन हुआ और उनका प्रेम फिर से जागृत हो गया। वे एक दूसरे को फिर से विश्वास देने लगे और खुशी के साथ एक साथ रहने लगे।
Chitrangada was a beautiful princess from the kingdom of Manipur in ancient India. She was the daughter of King Chitravahana and was known for her intelligence, grace, and courage. Here is the story of her love and marriage with the great warrior Arjuna from the Indian epic, Mahabharata.
Arjuna meets Chitrangada
One day, Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, was traveling to the southern region of India on a pilgrimage. He arrived at the kingdom of Manipur, where he met Chitrangada. Arjuna was struck by Chitrangada’s beauty and was immediately drawn to her. He expressed his desire to marry her, but Chitrangada’s father, King Chitravahana, refused. He told Arjuna that Chitrangada was his only child and that he could not afford to lose her as she was the future queen of Manipur.
Arjuna, however, was persistent and vowed to win Chitrangada’s heart. He challenged Chitravahana to a duel and defeated him in battle, earning the right to marry Chitrangada. Chitravahana, impressed by Arjuna’s strength and bravery, gave his daughter’s hand in marriage to the Pandava prince.
Arjuna and Chitrangada’s marriage
Chitrangada and Arjuna’s marriage was a happy one. They lived together in Manipur for many years and had a son named Babruvahana. However, Arjuna was a wanderer and a warrior, and he was called away on various missions. Chitrangada, who had never left Manipur before her marriage, grew restless and expressed her desire to travel with Arjuna.
Arjuna, however, was hesitant to take her with him, as he knew that his duties as a warrior would not allow him to provide a comfortable life for her. Chitrangada, disappointed, decided to leave Arjuna and return to her father’s kingdom. Arjuna understood her plight and gave her the freedom to choose her own destiny. Chitrangada returned to Manipur and ruled the kingdom as a powerful queen.
Arjuna and Chitrangada
Years later, when Arjuna returned to Manipur with his son Babruvahana, he was reunited with Chitrangada. They spent time together and reminisced about their past. Chitrangada was still in love with Arjuna, but she understood that her destiny lay in Manipur, and Arjuna’s lay elsewhere. Arjuna, too, was grateful to Chitrangada for the time they had spent together and the son they had raised.
In conclusion, the story of Chitrangada and Arjuna is a tale of love and sacrifice. Chitrangada sacrificed her desires to rule beside Arjuna, while Arjuna sacrificed his love to fulfill his duties as a warrior. Despite their differences, they maintained a deep respect for each other and remained friends for life. Their story is a testament to the importance of selflessness and the power of love and understanding.
The story of Shakuntala and Dushyanta is a well-known legend from ancient Indian literature. It is believed to have originated in the Mahabharata Katha, one of the two major epics of ancient India, other being The Ramayana. The Shakuntala story is an important story in India because it has all ingredients of human life
Shakuntala’s parents
According to the legend, Shakuntala was the daughter of the sage Vishwamitra and an apsara (celestial nymph) named Menaka. She was raised in the forest by her father and grew up to be a beautiful and virtuous young woman. There is an interesting love story of Vishwamitra and Menaka.
Shakuntala meets Dushyanta
One day, while gathering flowers in the forest, Shakuntala met the king Dushyanta, who was out on a hunting expedition. They fell in love at first sight and soon became inseparable. Dushyanta eventually had to leave the forest to attend to his royal duties, but promised Shakuntala that he would return and make her his queen.
Shakuntala Story
Shakuntala made a mistake
One day, while she was thinking about Dushyanata, she forgot to greet a revered Sage. Due to this, the sage Durvasa curses her that Dushyanta will forget her. Upon persuasion he relented, but the curse was modified and not lifted off.
Shakuntala and Dushyanta child – Bharat
However, after some time had passed, Shakuntala became pregnant with Dushyanta’s child and decided to go to his kingdom to remind him of his promise. When she arrived, she found that Dushyanta did not recognize her and refused to acknowledge their relationship. Heartbroken and alone, Shakuntala returned to the forest and gave birth to their child, a son named Bharata.
Years later, Dushyanta rediscovered his love for Shakuntala and went to the forest to find her. He encountered Bharata, who had grown into a strong and capable young man, and learned the truth about his relationship with Shakuntala. Dushyanta was filled with regret and sorrow, but eventually reunited with Shakuntala and made her his queen.
The story of Shakuntala and Dushyanta is seen as a tale of love, devotion, and redemption. It has been retold in various forms of literature and has inspired countless works of art throughout the centuries.
This is the end of Shakuntala Story. Below are some more love stories from India.
Menaka was born during the churning of the ocean by the devas and asuras. She is one of the most mesmerising apsaras (celestial nymphs) in the three worlds, with quick intelligence and innate talent, but desired a family. Vishvamitra, one of the most respected and revered sages in ancient India, frightened the devas and even tried to create another heaven – Indra, frightened by his powers, sent Menaka from heaven to earth to lure him and break his meditation.
The Relationship of Vishwamitra and Menaka
The love story of Vishwamitra and Menaka is a famous one. According to the story, Vishwamitra was a powerful king and warrior who was on a journey to attain spiritual enlightenment. However, during his journey, he encountered a beautiful apsara named Menaka who was sent by the gods to distract him from his path. Despite his resolve, Vishwamitra was drawn to Menaka and the two of them fell in love. However, she fell in genuine love with him and a baby was born to them, who later grew in Sage Kanva’s ashram and came to be called Shakuntala.
Vishwamitra and Menaka Image
Their relationship was frowned upon by the gods and eventually, Menaka was ordered to return to the heavens. Vishwamitra was devastated by the loss of his love and continued on his spiritual journey, eventually becoming one of the most revered rishis or sages and one of the Saptarishis.
Birth of Shakuntala and Bharat Dynasty
Menaka eventually gave birth to a daughter named Shakuntala, who was abandoned by her mother and raised in a hermitage by the sage Kanva. When Shakuntala grew up, she met and fell in love with King Dushyanta, but was eventually separated from him due to a curse.
Eventually, King Dushyanta remembered Shakuntala and the two of them were reunited. Shakuntala was acknowledged as the queen of the kingdom and the couple had a son together named Bharata, who went on to become the founder of the great Indian dynasty known as the Bharata dynasty.
Maharaja Nala’s story is very similar to the story of Pandavas from Mahabharata. He was very fond of playing dice game and lost his kingdom while doing this.
Nala was the ruler of Nishada. He was a very capable king and his country prospered under his rule. Nala was a gifted charioteer. He was also very fond of playing dice, but not adept at it. However, despite being one of the most handsome men of his time, he was still unmarried. One day a brahmin came to his court. On learning of his bachelor status he suggested the name of Damayanti, the daughter of the King of Vidarbha. He painted such an impressive picture of the princess that Nala fell in love with her without seeing her. Damyanti was said to be very beautiful and it is said that even Gods wanted to marry her.
The Swan, Nala and Damyanti
One day, Nala catches a swan. Swan begs for freedom and promises Nala that he will sing praises of Nala to Demyanti if he is freed. Nala accedes and sends the swan to Damyanti, who sang praises for Nala before Damyanti. Thus, prior to the swayamvara, Damyanti was already in love with Nala.
Damyanti – A beautiful maiden
Damyanti’s swayamvara
Damyanti father’s announces for a swayamvara. This was attended by Gods and humans alike. Nala wins Damyanti’s hand in a swayamvara. A human trumped the gods, but how. There is an interesting story behind this. Among all gods, She chose Nala because of his shadow. The gods have no shadow.
Damyanti Swayamvara
Duly, she chose Nala as her husband and everyone else was disappointed. The demon Kali, the personification of Kali yuga, also wanted to marry Damayanti. On his arrival, he is unaware that he is too late for the swayamvara. He runs into the gods and they tell him how she has chosen Nala in their place. Kali then angrily vows to cause the fall of Nala’s kingdom.
The revenge of Kali and separation of couple
Kali waits for twelve years to find a weakness in Nala, and got his chance. He guides him to play the game of dice with his brother, Pushkara and loses everything. He and his wife were deserted in exile, Still in the power of Kali, he deserted his wife, Damyanti. Damyanti finds refuge in the court of King Chedi.
Nala leaves Damyanti in forest
Nala finds a serpent in the forest from a fire. This was a influential Naga, named Karakotaka. In return, he was rewarded a bite from the Naga. He later explains that this would change his appearance, which will help him ultimately. The Naga also provides a magical garment to Nala, wearing which make him assume his normal form. Nala becomes Vahuka, who was a dwarf whose arms were short. He finds refuge at King of Ayodhya, named as Rituparana. Incidentally, King Rituaprna is a skilled dice player.
Search of Damyanti and Nala
Soon, Damyanti father’s finds her. Damyanti, not only good in look but sharp in brains, decides to find Nala with an innovative trick. She asks for her swayamvara to be conducted again. King Rituparna also comes, but he is accompanied by Vahuka, as he is good in riding chariots.
Nala identified
Damayanti was waiting on her balcony listening to the hoof beats as the carriages passed her palace. She immediately recognised the pattern of the hoof beats of the chariot being driven by Nala. She sent a maid to inquire who had arrived in the chariot and was informed that it was King Rituparna and his chariot driver. She was also informed that the king had refused the hospitality of Vidarbh and was asking his chariot driver to prepare his meal. Damayanti then asked the maid to smuggle some item of food. The taste was identical to her husband’s cooking. Throwing all decorum to the winds she ran down to meet the chariot driver and was stunned to meet a dark, short and deformed man instead of a fair, tall and handsome Nala. She asked, “Why does a man want to send his dutiful wife back to her father’s home?” The man replied, “Because he has lost his kingdom and cannot support his wife in the manner she was accustomed to before their marriage.” He then put on the magic garments and was returned to his original form.
Nala gets his kingdom back
Rituparna congratulated Damayanti and told her that she had found her husband but he would lose not only his best horseman and best cook but also his best friend. Nala had a proposal for Rituparna. “I will stay with you for a while and teach you all that I know of horsemanship if you teach me all that you know of gambling.” He added that he was not interested in playing regularly but just one time in order to win his kingdom back. Nala and Damayanti moved to Rituparna’s kingdom. Soon Rituparna was an adept horseman and Nala an adept gambler.
Nala sent a challenge to his brother. He was willing to stake Damayanti if Pushkar staked the entire kingdom. Pushkar still felt that the victory was incomplete without his brother’s wife and readily accepted the challenge. This time Kali and Dwapar were not there to aid him and Nala had become an expert player. Pushkar lost everything back to Nala. Nala had half a mind to send Pushkar out in a loincloth, but he was a large-hearted man. He gave Pushkar a part of the kingdom and suggested that he mend his ways
Nala and Damyanti story appears in Mahabharata – (Vana Parva).
This article is about the love story of a mortal and a dancer from the heaven. Pururva was the king of lunar dynasty (or chandravansh)..Urvashi was a celestial nymphor apsara in Indra court. She was cursed by Maitre and Varuna that she had to spend some time on earth.
Once Pururva saw Urvashi on Mount Gandhamadan. She came from heavens to enjoy earthly pleasures such as feel the wet dew under her feet and the soft breeze against her body. When Pururva saw her, he fell in love with her. He asked her to become his consort. This love story was a conditional love story where Urvashi put forth three conditions before him:
1. Two sheep would always remain close to her bed. If by any chance , the sheep is not there, she would return to heaven.
2. She would never see the king naked, and
3. She would be served ghee as her food.
She spent sixty thousand years with Pururva. Like all the good things, this love story had to end. Gandharva’s started feeling the absence of Urvashi. They knew the above conditions put forth by Urvashi to Pururva. One night they stole the two sheep. Urvashi cried for help when she did not find her sheep. Pururva was sleeping and he ran after the Gandharvas with no clothes on him. Gandharvas also knew to create fire and at the same time when the king was running naked, they lit the fire and thus second condition was also breached. During this whole commotion, she was also not given the ghee diet. Thus all conditions broken, she returned to heaven.
(This story is as per Vishnu Purana, there are variations to this story in various texts)
Urvashi and Pururava
The lineage of Pandavas and Kauravas
Urvashi delivered six sons to Pururva. Ayu, Amavasu, Vishwavasu, Shritrayu, Shataryu and Ayutaryu.
Manu – ( Buddha & Ila)– Pururva – Ayu – Nahusha – Yayati
Puru and Yadu were Yayati’s sons. Shantanu was a descendant of Puru. The lineage contnued with the help of Vyasa, because Vuchitravirya, son of Shantanu died childless. Satyavati’s son, Vyasa continued the lineage of Puru. If we see the lineage of Vyasa, he follows the Ikshvaku lineage. Ila, Purrurva parent, was the sibling of Ikshvaku.
Note: Ila kept alternating between a man and woman for a month, due to a curse from Lord Shiva. In her female form, she bore the son of Buddha, named as Pururva. Pururva is the father of lunar dynasty while Ikshvaku is the father of solar dynasty.
