Part 3: Gandharva Marriage, Separation, and the Trial of Truth

The Proposal of Gandharva Marriage

King Duhshanta, hearing all about the birth of Shakuntala, was filled with admiration for her beauty, virtue, and divine origin. Addressing her with affection, he said, “Well-spoken, O princess! Be my wife. Of all forms of marriage, the Gandharva form is regarded as the foremost. Let our union take place according to that sacred custom.”

He offered her wealth, ornaments, and even his kingdom, declaring his love and desire for her companionship.

Shakuntala, however, replied with modesty and righteousness, “My father, the great Rishi Kanwa, is not present. It is proper that he should bestow me upon you. Wait until his return.”

But Duhshanta, overcome with love, spoke again, explaining the eight forms of marriage ordained by Dharma — Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Asura, Gandharva, Rakshasa, and Paisacha — and emphasized that Gandharva marriage was lawful for Kshatriyas.

At last, Shakuntala agreed, but placed a condition: “The son born of our union shall be your heir. Promise me this truthfully.”

The king readily accepted her condition, and thus their Gandharva marriage took place in the sacred hermitage.

The Departure of Duhshanta

After spending time together in love and harmony, King Duhshanta prepared to return to his capital. Before leaving, he reassured Shakuntala, saying, “I shall send for you soon with royal escort. You shall come to my palace with honour.”

Having made this promise, the king departed. But as he journeyed back, a thought arose in his mind — “What will Rishi Kanwa say upon learning of this?”

Thus reflecting, he returned to his kingdom.

Kanwa’s Return and Blessing

Shortly after the king’s departure, Rishi Kanwa returned to the hermitage. Shakuntala, filled with modesty, did not step forward immediately. But the great sage, through his divine insight, understood everything that had transpired.

He spoke kindly, “O child, what you have done is not against Dharma. Gandharva marriage between a willing man and woman is righteous for Kshatriyas. King Duhshanta is noble and virtuous. The son born of this union shall be mighty and rule the earth.”

Relieved and blessed, Shakuntala served her father with devotion.

The Birth of a Mighty Child

In time, Shakuntala gave birth to a son of extraordinary energy and brilliance. The child grew rapidly, displaying immense strength and courage even in his early years.

By the age of six, he was capable of subduing wild animals such as lions, tigers, and elephants, binding them to trees and playing with them fearlessly.

Seeing his unmatched prowess, the sages named him Sarvadamana — “the subduer of all.”

Journey to the Royal Court

Observing that the child had grown strong and worthy, Rishi Kanwa instructed his disciples, “Take Shakuntala and her son to King Duhshanta. It is not proper for a married woman to remain in her father’s house for long.”

Thus, Shakuntala, accompanied by the sages and her radiant son, journeyed to the royal court.

The King's Rejection

Upon reaching the court, Shakuntala addressed the king with dignity, “O king, this is your son. Fulfil your promise and accept him as your heir.”

But to her shock, Duhshanta denied all memory of their union. He said, “I do not remember you. Who are you, O woman in ascetic garb? I have no connection with you.”

Hearing these harsh words, Shakuntala was overwhelmed with grief and anger. Yet, controlling herself, she spoke firmly in defense of truth and righteousness.

Shakuntala’s Powerful Words

She said, “O king, your heart knows the truth. Why do you deny it? The soul within witnesses all actions. The Sun, the Moon, the Wind, Fire, Heaven, Earth, and Dharma — all observe the deeds of men.”

“A wife is the half of her husband, the root of Dharma, Artha, and Kama. The son is the continuation of the father himself. How can you reject your own child?”

She spoke of truth as the highest virtue, greater than a hundred sacrifices, and warned the king against abandoning righteousness.

Her words were filled with wisdom, dignity, and divine authority, echoing through the court like a voice of Dharma itself.