Dushyant and Shankuntla: A Journey of Togetherness Through Separation

Every love story carries within itself a wider and deeper emotional learning which passes through its own course. From longing in winter to intimacy in summer, every loving tale inevitably experiences all the seasons. In a way, a saga of love is no less than the Earth revolving around the Sun, changing seasons as it moves. Among the many endearing tales that are mentioned in classical Hindu literature, Kalidasa’s ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’ stands out in all its splendor.

The love of Dushyant and Shakuntla captured in a frame Image source: bonobology.com

Hope, faith, promise, patience, separation, longing, and reunion, are threads of love delicately woven together. From ancient times, the notion of love has rightly captured the hearts of people. Be it the love story of Radha and Krishna in Hindu mythical literature to unrequited love portrayals in modern OTT platforms and web series, the presence and longing for love are eternal.

Among many heart-warming stories that find mention in ancient Hindu literature, ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’ written by Kalidasa stands tall in all its glory. It is a touching story of Dushyant, the king of Hastinapur, and Shakuntala, the daughter of Meneka and Vishwamitra. She grew up in the lap of nature where Rishi Kanva used to take care of her and acted as a father figure in her life.

As fate would have it, one day King Dushyant was wandering in the same forest where Shakuntala lived. Dushyant was about to go hunting for a deer when he noticed a beautiful woman playing with it. A simple yet beautiful woman, dressed in a white and pink saree, captivated King Dushyant at first sight. Dushyant was immediately drawn to this woman's tender nature after witnessing her love and care for the deer.

The woman was none other than Shakuntala, and this is how Dushyant and Shakuntala’s journey of togetherness began.

Dushyant, entranced by Shakuntala's beauty, did not hesitate to confess his love for her. Following that, Shakuntala's heart was stolen by an honest and majestic king. They married each other in the presence of Mother Earth to solidify their love. Both of them had realised by that point that they were destined to be together. Dushyant told Shakuntala that he had to leave the ashram in the forest where she was staying because his duty to his kingdom needed to be fulfilled. At the same time, he promised Shakuntala that he would return.

Shakuntala was depressed when she heard about the possibility of separation, even if it was only temporary. Dushyant, sensing Shakuntala's pain, gave her one of the royal rings from his hand and told her that it was a sign of his love for her and that he would definitely return to take her back as queen. It's fascinating to see how rings were used as symbols of love even in ancient times.

Shakuntala knew in her heart that she belonged to Dushyant from the moment he left. She would miss her husband terribly and hoped he would return soon. Shakuntala would frequently reminisce about her time with her husband.

Sage Durvasa passed by one day as she sat under a tree remembering her days with Dushyant. She couldn't hear the sage when he summoned her for an offering because she was lost in her own world. Sage Durvasa, known for his quick temper, cursed Shakuntala that the person she was thinking about would forget her. Shakuntala snapped out of her reverie when she heard these words and begged the sage to remove the curse.

Sage Durvasa told Shakuntala that he couldn't take the curse back, but he could do one thing. When Shakuntala would place anything belonging to King Dushyant in front of him, he would immediately remember her.

Shakuntala was pleased with the alternative and remembered the ring given to her by her dear husband. She then began her journey to the capital of King Dushyant's kingdom. She couldn't wait any longer to tell her husband the wonderful news that she was pregnant.

Shakuntala was tired and fell asleep on her long journey to the capital as she boarded a boat to cross the river. The symbol of Dushyant's love, her ring, fell into the river while she slept. When Shakuntala arrived in the capital, she had nothing to show King Dushyant as proof of their love and marriage. As a result, Dushyant was unable to identify her.

Shakuntala left the capital, heartbroken, and returned to her ashram in the forest. She gave birth to a son there, whom she named Bharata. Her life without Dushyant was bleak and depressing.

As the universe always conspires, a fisherman discovered the ring in the stomach of a fish, which had fallen off Shakuntala's hand. He recognised the royal seal right away and dashed towards King Dushyant's palace. When the fisherman showed him the ring, all of Shakuntala's memories flooded back to him.

Dushyant immediately set out for the forest in search of his love, Shakuntala. Dushyant was able to track down Shakuntala and reunite with her after some time and effort. Perhaps it was Dushyant's promise and Shakuntala's faith that brought them back together.

Dushyant and Shakuntala's joy and bliss knew no bounds upon their reunion. Their love story perfectly illustrates patience and trust. It is a testimony of the fact that love knows no bounds and it eventually finds its way.