See Why Shakuntala Says A Wife Must be Cherished
Each story in the Mahabharata provides valuable insights into the life and culture of people during the Vedic times, often touching on various social issues. The story of Shakuntala is a prime example. While it is widely known as a love story and the story of King Bharata’s birth, it is about much more than that—it is also about dignity, justice, and a woman’s unwavering strength.
Why Shakuntala's Story Matters?
Shakuntala’s tale delves into a woman’s role as a wife and her significance in her husband’s life. It also highlights a husband’s duty toward his wife and children. At its core, the story emphasizes that marriage should be built on mutual respect and equality.
In modern times, discussions about gender roles in marriage persist. While societal norms have evolved, the dynamics of the husband-wife partnership have shifted, and people now view some ancient practices as unacceptable. But, the fundamental principle of marriage as a partnership between equals remains unchanged.
Mahabharata’s Shakuntala: A Woman Of Strength
Mahabharata’s Shakuntala was a resilient young woman who stood her ground even in immensely difficult situations. She met and married King Duhshanta in a Gandharva marriage, a union without rituals or parental consent. Before departing for his kingdom, Duhshanta made two solemn promises:
- Their son would be recognized as his heir.
- He would return for Shakuntala and take her to Hastinapura with honor, pomp and splendor she deserved.
Yet, time passed, and Duhshanta never returned.
Unkept Promises: Shakuntala's Struggles
The story doesn’t explain the reasons, but Duhshanta failed to return. Shakuntala faced increasingly challenging circumstances as she welcomed their son, Sarvadhamana. When Sarvadhamana turned six, Sage Kanva urged her to seek her rightful place as Duhshanta’s wife. Accompanied by her son and the sage’s disciples, she set out for Hastinapura.
Upon arriving at the royal court, she was met with shocking betrayal. She greeted Duhshanta warmly and presented their son to him. “This is your son. Please acknowledge him as your heir, as you promised.” Duhshanta, in front of his courtiers, denied knowing her. With mockery, he dismissed her claims, calling her a liar.
Duhshanta’s treatment of her like a commoner who meant nothing angered Shakuntala. Her heart burned with pain, but she refused to cower.
The Royal Court Encounter: Shakuntala’s Defiance
Shakuntala was confronting a powerful king in his court, surrounded by his people. Given all that, one might anticipate her to have adopted a more submissive demeanor. Surprisingly, she was bold and not timid at all.
Instead of pleading, Shakuntala asserted her rights. She delivered a powerful speech on a wife’s role and the respect she deserves.
“I am your wife and deserve to be treated with honor,” she began.
Lies and Consequences: No one can hide the truth
Shakuntala confronted Duhshanta for his dishonesty. She stated that only fools believe that they can get away with misrepresenting the truth. “Are you lying because you think no one will know? You know the truth! When committing a sin people like to think no one can see them. Do you realize that the god and that conscience that lives in your heart know. The energies and elements surrounding us also know the truth. So, stop lying!”
She urged him to tell the truth and accept her and their son or, she warned, “your head will be splintered into a hundred pieces.”
A Call to Honor: Why a Husband Must Respect His Wife
A loving and faithful wife, Shakuntala said, was a man’s true friend and a partner in all that he does. She reminded him that a wife is a man’s true companion, sharing his burdens, joys, and responsibilities. A husband must respect and cherish his wife, for she is the foundation of his household.
There are specific roles a man can fulfill only with a wife by his side. Only when a man has a wife is he able to be a householder and enjoy life as a family man. A man can perform certain religious rites only with a wife by his side. He can have a son to carry on his lineage only when he has a wife.
Even in death a wife was with her husband. If the husband died first, she soon followed. If the wife died first, she waited for her husband’s spirit. The bond between a husband and wife endured, extending into the afterlife.
For a husband his wife can be a source of love, joy and virtue. For these reasons he must never speak harshly to her, even in moments of anger.
Jaya: Wife Helps Create A Lineage
A man, no matter how powerful, cannot have a son without a wife. A wife is called Jaya, which means ‘being born,’ because she gives birth to the son. The ancestors believed it was as though the husband himself entered the womb of his wife and is born as the son.
In the Vedic times people believed that when a man died his lineage was continued by the son. The son also saved his ancestors by performing rituals for the deceased ancestors (which only sons can perform). Shakuntala told Duhshanta that Brahma called ‘son’ as putra because the son saved his ancestors from the hell named put by performing the ancestral rites.
A Father’s Dharma
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about young children. When we encounter a child, we instinctively want to pick them up and embrace them. It brings us joy. Shakuntala wondered how Duhshanta did not do the same with his own son.
The vedas said that a son was a reflection of his father. It was a father’s dharma to accept and take care of his son. “How could you refuse your own son,” she asked him.
“Even ants carry their eggs and do not break them,” she said. She reminded Duhshanta that it was his responsibility and duty to take care of his child.
At this point, Shakuntala wished nothing for herself. But she fervently hoped that Duhshanta would not abandon their son, Sarvadhamana. After all, she fully understood the pain of being abandoned by one’s parents. Worse, she was now being abandoned by her husband as well.
“But don’t abandon my son,” she pleaded.
Shakuntala’s Pain
Duhshanta ignored Shakuntala and remained unmoved. He went as far as to shame her for being poor, and for being abandoned by her biological parents, and denounced them as immoral individuals.
Again, Shakuntala did not take his attacks lying down. She called Duhshanta small-minded. She likened him to a fool who preferred to find faults and evil in others rather than identify the good in them. “If you want to judge me by my birth, know that my mother is an apsara which makes her nobler than you, she is one of 30 gods, she can travel the sky and so can I!” she told him.
“You are arrogant in your power and position but if you refuse to accept your son, the gods will not be pleased. They will strip you of your prosperity, and you will fail to reach the higher realms. Our son is destined for greatness, it is not right for you to abandon him,” Shakuntala stated.
Giving Up
Disappointed and exhausted by the whole ordeal, Shakuntala decided to return to the hermitage. “There is no greater dharma than the truth and there is no greater sin than a lie. You insist on uttering lies; I do not want to be associated with the likes of you. But remember, when you are dead, my son will be the king.” With that, Shakuntala turned away from Duhshanta and got ready to leave.
Divine Message
Shakuntala stopped in her tracks an Akashavani, or a celestial voice, echoed through the court. The voice declared that ‘Shakuntala spoke the truth’. It instructed Duhshanta to acknowledge both Shakuntala and their son. The voice further commanded that Sarvadhamana would be named Bharata as Duhshanta would maintain him because of what happened that day.
Akashavani was regarded as the messenger of the gods. So, everyone in the court accepted the message and recognized Bharata as the legitimate heir to the throne.
To everyone’s astonishment, Duhshanta was pleased with the development. He revealed to Shakuntala that he was pretending to not know her. It was important to him that people accepted Bharata’s legitimacy without question. Now, thanks to the Akashavani, that was possible. Duhshanta and Shakuntala reunited, and Bharata was instated as the heir.
A Defense of a Woman's Dignity
Shakuntala’s story is a powerful reflection on marriage, equality and the enduring strength of women. Today’s world continues to struggle with gender roles and family dynamics. Shakuntala’s view on marriage, women’s rights, husband’s role and responsibility is a reminder that these relationships must be based on mutual respect and care. Her unwavering courage in defense of her rights and her beloved son’s future serves as an inspiration for us all.
Struggles for equality and fairness in a marriage is not new. Shakuntala’s story is a reminder that while the traditional roles of husband-wife relationship continue to change, marriages were always meant to be an equal relationship where both parties can thrive and live their life with dignity.
References:
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
Dalal, Roshen (2010). “The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths.” Penguin Books India.
Sternbach, L. (1941). A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE FORMS OF MARRIAGE IN ANCIENT INDIA (A Résumé). Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 22(3/4), 202–219. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43975949
Images: Wikimedia Commons