Blog

Shakuntala stepped into the royal court with her son, emanating a radiant glow that rivaled the brilliance of the morning sun. The atmosphere around them seemed to shimmer with their presence as she was introduced to him. The disciples of the Rishi, having diligently conveyed all the details to the king, made their way back to the serene embrace of the hermitage. With grace, Shakuntala performed a reverent bow to the king and spoke passionately, "O king, this is your beloved

Examining the Character Kanva Kanva doesn't consult Shakuntala and ask for her opinion, even for the sake of recognizing her as a fellow...

Seeing the great strength of the boy, Kanva spoke to his disciples, “Take Shakuntala with her son from the hermitage to her husband's house, which is blessed with all auspicious signs. It is not appropriate for women to live forever in their paternal or maternal homes. Such residence damages their good name, conduct, and virtue. Therefore, take her to her husband’s house without delay.”   Note : How? How could a girl who grew up in her own parental home with her siblings lose

Physical Strength and Appearance The boy was endowed with a striking set of sharp, strong, and pearly teeth. These features not only...

Understanding the Essence of the Mahabharata Yad ihasti tad anyatra yan nehasti na tat kvacit! - meaning Whatever is here is also elsewhere; whatever is not here is extant nowhere. This profound statement encapsulates the Mahabharata's essence. It suggests that the lessons and experiences found within this epic resonate throughout existence. The Mahabharata is not just a story; it is a reflection of the human experience. Every joy, sorrow, truth, and mystery is interwoven in

The Early Years of a Remarkable Boy The most pious and revered of men, Kanva, meticulously carried out all the elaborate rites and ceremonies outlined in the sacred scriptures for the young boy. This boy exhibited remarkable intelligence and potential. With each passing day, he steadily matured and evolved into a being of great promise. He was endowed with a strikingly bright smile, framed by sharp and strong pearly white teeth that gleamed with health. His physical strength

The Artistic Legacy of Raja Ravi Varma It's a curious thought. Why do I assume that Shakuntala was a woman? She might have been a girl! Perhaps it’s because I grew up admiring the enchanting paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. His artistry has left a profound mark on my perception of characters from Indian mythology. Raja Ravi Varma is celebrated as one of India's most distinguished painters. He is often likened to the greats of the Renaissance—Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and

Shakuntla then came to her fatigued father and washed his feet. She took down the heavy load on his shoulder and placed the fruits in proper order. Then she said, “You should give your grace to my husband , King Dushyanta, the best of men.” Note: Vyasa conveys these dialogues through Shakuntala, a female character. Shakuntala wishes well for the man who disregarded her advice to wait for her father to return to the ashram and ask him for her hand. She wishes well for the man

We, humans, know that if someone abuses their child, parents get agitated, angry, and agonize over the situation. Parents feel compelled to hunt down the person responsible and bring them to justice. This particular emotional reaction hasn't changed from the time of the Mahabharat to the time it is today. This emotion is even common among all other animals, not just humans. It is extraordinary how Veda Vyasa chose and employed the words carefully to describe the aftermath o

There is no evidence of Dudhyant giving Shakuntala a ring before leaving her, nor were there any of Shakuntala’s friends around when the ‘incident’ happened, as Kalidas mentions in Abhijana Shakuntalam. Shakuntala was alone at her hermitage (Ashram). What happened is that Dushyant explained to her that Gandharva (with consent) and Rakshasa (without consent) forms of marriage are proper for a Kshatriya. He also gives her another option, a mixed form of both types of marriage

One day, Dushyanth goes on a hunting expedition. While chasing a deer, he crosses one forest and enters another. He spots a beautiful maiden in Rishi Kanva’s hermitage and enters the ashram armed . Note: In those days, nobody was allowed to enter a peaceful ashram armed. It applied to kings, too. He inquires about her whereabouts, and she tells him her name is Shakuntala. She reveals that she was born to Rishi Vishwamitra and a divine nymph, Menaka, but was abandoned by her p

As everyone who knows the Mahabharata would know, Shakuntala. Indian literary lovers would have heard of Kalidas’s ‘Abhijnana...

Jackal: The world of mortals is a place of great sorrow and inevitability. Here, no creature can elude the grasp of mortality. Every being's life is fleeting, and the departure of beloved friends is a constant and painful reality. The world is filled with shallow pursuits, deceit, unfounded allegations, and malicious rumors. It's disheartening to witness yet another incident that only adds to the existing pain and sorrow. You men are too weak to endure the discomfort and pain

Vulture: You, parents, lack mental strength when it comes to your child. You must realize that you are listening to a dim-witted and...

Watching the parents who are about to leave, Jackal hurriedly steps forward in an attempt to stop them. Jackal: It is evident that you, as the child's parents, lack any sense of genuine affection for him. How could you leave your child like this without a care on this naked and harsh ground so quickly? Don't get discouraged by the vulture; express your emotions without hesitation for as long as you want. Take all the time you need to mourn and process your emotions fully. All

It is fascinating to explore the philosophy of renunciation and delve into the age-old conflict between 'letting go' and 'holding on.' This topic draws inspiration from the Mahabharata, a timeless piece of literature, and is intertwined with my unique imagination and creativity. Ancient texts, myths, and legends contain a lot of wisdom. They are full of hidden truths waiting to be discovered if we are willing to pay attention. Recommended age: No recommendation. Depends on th