He called his students and said – “Drop off Śakuntalā and her son at her husband’s place. Looking at his strength and capability, Kaṇva thought that it was time to anoint him as the crown prince. The residents of the āśrama who saw his valour named him ‘Sarvadamana’. He would climb on their backs and ride on them around the forest. The child was very brave and even in his sixth year, he would combat wild animals such as lions, boars, elephants, buffaloes and tie them to a tree. Kaṇva performed jātakarma and other rites on the child. Kaṇva consented.Īfter a few months, Śakuntalā gave birth to a charming and radiant son. Śakuntalā requested her father to bless Duṣyanta such that he will remain dhārmic at all times and that he will not lose the kingdom that he is ruling. Kaṇva – “Dear child! I am happy with Duṣyanta and have nothing against him. Śakuntalā washed her father’s feet, received the fruits he had brought home and requested him – “O father, you should bless Duṣyanta, my husband!” You will beget a great son who will rule the entire earth with its expance until the oceans” Duṣyanta, the man you have married with intense love is known for his adherence to dharma.
Gāndharva-vivāha is sacred for a kṣatriya. He called his daughter to his side and spoke words filled with love to her – “O dear one, you have got into the contact of the king without consulting me – doing so does not count towards transgressing dharma.
Kaṇva came to know about everything that had transpired through his divine sight. Śakuntalā felt embarrassed to even see him. The king returned to his city constantly fearing what Kaṇva would think and do to him.Īfter a while, the sage Kaṇva returned to the āśrama. “I will send my entire retinue of army to fetch to my palace!” - the king kept telling her so again and again to gain her confidence in him. With these words, they became got into a wedlock and consummated their marriage. The king, without thinking twice declared – “So be it!”. Only if you agree with my condition, I will proceed to unite with you.” The son born to me through you should become the crown-prince. Śakuntalā – “If you say that this is dhārmic and that I have the freedom to offer myself to you, I would like to make an agreement with you before I proceed. Thus, become my wife through the gāndharva-marriage. For a kṣatriya, gāndharva and rākṣasa-vivāhas are dhārmic too. Handover yourself to me on your own – this will certainly not be against dharma. Once he comes back, he will hand me over to you!”ĭuṣyanta – “You come to me on your own. Śakuntalā – “O King! My father is gone to fetch fruits. It is the best among the various kinds of marriages.” Let us get married through gāndharva-vivāha. Please be my wife! Tell me what you desire to have! Golden necklaces, clothing, earrings, bangles, gems and gold coins – I will give them all. Duṣyanta – “Listening to the story you just narrated confirms that you indeed are a princess from a royal lineage.