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 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.
