The Story of King Bharat

Sometime later, Shakuntala bore a son named ‘Bharat'. The boy was handsome and endowed with godly qualities. Before turning five, he used to play with lions, cheetahs, and panthers. He also became knowledgeable about the Vedas and Shastras and quickly acquired a royal child's merits. Shakuntala was euphoric to witness her son’s unusual talents, which sometimes caused her to forget her separation from her husband.

Rishi Durvasa's curse eventually began to wear off. King Dushyant returned to Rishi Kanva's ashram and brought Shakuntala and their son, Bharat, to the palace. When King Dushyant grew old, Bharat became king and was given the title "Chakraborty Emperor" quickly.

King Bharat possessed numerous virtues. He was courageous, generous, selfless, honest, and had a strong sense of justice. He surpassed all his predecessors in kingship. He was willing to forgo his own pleasures for the welfare of his people. In a rare move, he decided that none of his nine sons were worthy of the throne and instead named Bheemanya, the son of Rishi Bharadwaj, his successor.

He was the first king to establish democratic rule, breaking the tradition of succession based on birthright. His decision to crown Bheemanya as prince demonstrated his generosity and impartiality as a ruler. He prioritized the well-being of his people over the interests of his own family. Several generations later, King Kuru took the throne, and King Bharat's lineage became known as the Kuru dynasty.

Another esteemed king of King Bharat's lineage was King Shantanu, the son of King Kuru. King Shantanu was passionate about hunting. On one hunting trip, he encountered a stunning young woman on the Ganga riverbank. She had a slender waist, eyes resembling lotus petals, and long black hair. Shantanu was captivated by her beauty and desired to marry her.

"Who are you, oh appealing one?" he asked. Before she answered, he introduced himself: "I am King Shantanu. Please marry me. I will give you all the pleasures in the world."