We all know about Shakuntala’s story from Kalidasa’s ‘Abhigyan Shakuntalam’. But, do you know how Shakuntala was born?
So, the famous King named “Kaushika”, who later became the great “Vishvamitra”, engaged in intense austerities for ages. Seeing his dedication, the King of Heaven, Indra got scared. He thought if this continues, then my seat of heaven will not last any longer! So, I need to do something to break his penance.
Then, Indra called Menaka, one of the Apsaras of Heaven. He told her to distract Vishvamitra. So, as planned, Menaka arrived on Earth in front of Vishvamitra’s home. And, then she started dancing to distract him. And, you know it worked! Vishvamitra fell in love with her, and a girl was born from them. But, Menaka’s task is over now, she needs to go back to heaven. So, she left the child on the banks of the River Malini and went to Heaven.
Now, there was a dense forest nearby. There were carnivorous animals roaming all around. But, the Vultures (also called ‘Shakuna’) actually protect her from those fierce animals. Then, Maharishi Kanva saw the girl abandoned, and he adopted her.
So, the Vultures were protecting her; that's why he gave her the name ‘SHAKUNTALA’ (from Shakuna [Vultures]).
So, this is the Birth Story of Shakuntala. And, this is an important part in the Mahabharata. Later, from Shakuntala and King Dushyanta, King Bharata will be born (From his name, our country’s name Bharatvarsa came, by the way) and continue the family tree of the Mahabharata.
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Source:- BORI Critical Edition Mahabharata