Shakuntala - I

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Jun 15, 2001

Dushyant was a king in the lunar dynasty. He was a descendant of Pururava and an ancestor of Shantanu, both of whom have been written about in these columns earlier. One King Dushyant and his entourage were returning from a hunt when they passed Sage Kanva’s hermitage. They decided to rest awhile there. In the garden of the hermitage the king saw that a large bumblebee was pestering a damsel. With one stroke of his sword he felled the troublesome insect and lost his heart to the maiden and won hers as well. She introduced herself as Shakuntala, the daughter of Sage Kanva. The surprised king said, “Everyone knew that Sage Kanva is unmarried and a celibate.” Then Shakuntala recounted the story of her birth.

Vishvamitra was a much-respected king and unmatched in power. Once he was the guest at Sage Vashishta’s hermitage. There he learnt about the divine cow, Kamadhenu. This cow would give as much milk as was needed and for all time to come. She was given to Sage Vashishta by the Gods for the benefit of mankind. King Vishvamitra asked for the cow stating that he was the true guardian of the people, but Sage Vashishta refused to part with her. Vishvamitra ordered his soldiers to take Kamadhenu by force. Using his magical powers, Vashishta produced a thousand soldiers who easily defeated Vishvamitra’s army.

Vishvamitra was surprised to see that a sage could have such powers. He decided to procure similar powers for himself. So he gave up his regal life-style and moved to a hut and embarked on a period of austere meditation. Soon everyone was impressed by his concentration and resolve. Indra, the King of the demi-Gods was alarmed at this new source of power developing on earth. He viewed with suspicion anyone who aspired to obtain divine powers from the Gods. He called Menaka, one of his most beautiful apsaras (celestial maidens), and instructed her to destroy Vishvamitra's penance.

This was a task close to Menaka’s heart. She tried every move she knew but was unable to seduce the sage. Ultimately she connived with Pavandev, the Wind God, to blow her garment away while she was dancing provocatively in front of Vishvamitra. The ruse worked. Seeing her unclothed, the sage was filled with carnal desire and he lost the merits he had earned so far. Vishvamitra asked Menaka to spend some time with him and Menaka agreed. From their union Shakuntala was born. With her birth both Menaka and Vishvamitra realised that it was time for them to move on. Menaka had to return to heaven and Vishvamitra had to begin his meditation anew. Since he was living near the hermitage of Sage Kanva, they requested Sage Kanva to adopt Shakuntala as his daughter.

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