Shukadeva, a wise sage, was telling the story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala to King Parikshit. Dushyanta was a powerful king who went out hunting with his men and reached the hermitage of the sage Kanva. There he saw a stunningly beautiful girl named Shakuntala, who was brought up by Kanva with affection and care. Dushyanta fell in love with her at first sight and asked her to marry him. Shakuntala agreed, and they were married in a Gandharva marriage.
Shakuntala gave birth to a son named Bharata, who grew up under the protection of the sage Kanva. He became so strong that he could even catch lions and play with them. After some time, Shakuntala took Bharata to Dushyanta's palace, but he refused to accept them as his family. A voice from the heavens revealed that Bharata was indeed Dushyanta's son, and he immediately accepted Shakuntala and Bharata.
After Dushyanta's demise, Bharata became the king of Bharatavarsha. The story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala teaches us that true love can conquer all obstacles, and that we should always accept our mistakes and make amends for them.
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