Duhshanta and Shakuntala
The founder of the Paurava line was Duhshanta gifted with great energy. He was the protector of the earth bounded by the four seas. That king had full sway over four quarters of this world. He was the lord also of various regions in the midst of the sea. That great oppressor of all foes had sway over the countries even of the Mlechchhas.
During his rule there were no men of mixed castes, no tillers of the soil (for the land, of itself, yielded produce), no workers of mines (for the surface of the earth yielded in abundance), and no sinful men. All were virtuous, and did everything from virtuous motives. There was no fear of thieves, no fear of famine, no fear of disease.
All four orders took pleasure in doing their respective duties and never performed religious acts for obtaining fruition of desires. His subjects, depending upon him, never entertained any fear. Indra poured showers at the proper time, and the produce of the fields was always pulpy and juicy.
The earth was full of all kinds of wealth and all kinds of animals. The Brahmanas were always engaged in their duties and they were always truthful. The youthful monarch was endued with wonderful prowess and a physical frame hard as the thunderbolt.
Once on a time king Duhshanta of mighty arms, accompanied by a large force, went into the forest. He took with him hundreds of horses and elephants. The force that accompanied the monarch was of four kinds—foot-soldiers, car-warriors, cavalry, and elephants.
Surrounded by warriors with weapons in their hands, the monarch set out on his journey. With the sound of conchs, drums, chariots, elephants, and horses, there arose a deafening tumult.
The ladies from terraces beheld that heroic monarch and praised him like Indra. Showering flowers upon him, they blessed his journey.
The king entered a vast forest filled with animals like lions, deer, and other creatures. He began hunting and killed many animals with arrows, swords, and maces.
After hunting, the king entered another forest, more beautiful and peaceful. It was filled with blooming trees, sweet birds, flowing breezes, and divine beauty like the celestial garden Nandana.
There were trees like Bilwa, Arka, and sandalwood. The air was filled with fragrance and the sound of birds like Kokila.
In this divine forest, the king discovered a hermitage. It was filled with sages, Brahmanas, and ascetics engaged in meditation, chanting, and sacrifice.
The sacred river Malini flowed nearby, adding to the beauty of the hermitage. The place appeared like the abode of Brahman himself.
Leaving his army behind, the king entered the hermitage alone. He did not find the sage Kanwa there and called out loudly.
Soon, a beautiful maiden emerged from the hermitage. She was radiant like Goddess Lakshmi, dressed simply as an ascetic girl.
She welcomed the king respectfully, offering him water and a seat. She asked him about his purpose.
The king told her he had come to meet Sage Kanwa. The maiden replied that her father had gone to gather fruits and would return soon.
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