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Library: Shakuntala marries Dushyanta in Gandharva form.
Duḥṣanta spoke:
O princess, you speak clearly and auspiciously. Become my wife, O beautiful-hipped one, and tell me what I should do for you.
A golden garland, garments, earrings, and armlets from various cities, adorned with pure and beautiful gemstones.
Today, I bring your necklaces and deer skins. Let your entire kingdom be mine today. O beautiful one, become my wife.
O timid one, marry me here by the Gandharva method, beautiful one. Indeed, O lovely-thighed one, the Gandharva marriage is said to be the best of marriages.
Śakuntalā said:
O king, my father, the fruit-eater, has left the hermitage. Please wait for a moment; he will give me to you.
Duḥṣanta spoke:
I long for you, O beautiful and faultless lady, who is worshipped. Know that I am here for you, as my mind is indeed focused on you.
One's own self is truly one's friend and goal. Therefore, by oneself, one should righteously give of oneself.
There are eight types of marriages considered righteous: Brāhma, Daiva, Ārṣa, Prājāpatya, and Asura.
Manu Svayambhuva described the laws of Gandharva, Rakshasa, and Paishacha marriages, remembering them as the eighth in order, as previously stated.
Reflect on the four excellent qualities that were formerly of the Brahmin. Understand the six righteous and blameless qualities of the Kshatriya in their proper order.
Among kings, the demon is also considered to be remembered as demonic among merchants and Shudras. Out of the five, three are considered righteous and two unrighteous here.
Demonic acts and those of demons should never be performed. This method is considered the path of righteousness.
Do not doubt the righteousness of the Gandharva and Rakshasa in the Kshatriya. Whether separately or together, there is no doubt they should be done.
O beautiful one, you, who are desirous, deserve to become my wife through a Gandharva marriage.
Śakuntalā said:
If this is the path of righteousness and my soul is indeed the lord, then, O best of the Pauravas, listen to my promise, O lord.
Promise me truthfully that I will share a secret with you. The son who is born to me will succeed you.
O great king and crown prince, please tell me the truth. If this is indeed the case, Duṣṣanta, let me be united with you.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
The king, without much thought, agreed and said to her, "Indeed, I will take you to my city, O lady with a pure smile, as you truly deserve, O lady with beautiful hips. I sincerely mean this."
Thus, after speaking, the royal sage took the blameless lady by the hand in the proper manner and lived with her.
After reassuring her, he left, repeatedly saying: "I will dispatch a fourfold army for your sake, O pure-smiling one, and with it, I will bring you to my abode."
Having promised her, King Janamejaya contemplated and proceeded towards Kashyapa.
The Lord, absorbed in penance, pondered over 'What indeed will he do?' and thus, while contemplating, he entered his own city.
After a short while, Kaṇva returned to the hermitage. Śakuntalā, feeling shy, did not go to her father.
Then, having realized her true nature, the sage Kaṇva, endowed with divine insight and great penance, spoke with satisfaction, perceiving with his divine vision.
Today, by you, disregarding me, what has been done with the royal lineage, the union with a man is not detrimental to dharma.
The Gandharva marriage, which is considered the best for a Kshatriya, is characterized by mutual consent and is conducted privately without rituals.
The righteous and noble Duṣyanta, the best among men, approached the husband whom you, O Śakuntalā, are devoted to.
Your mighty son, a great soul and creator in the world, will rule over the entire earth surrounded by oceans.
The great soul's supreme wheel, upon his departure, will remain ever unstoppable for the emperor.
Then, after washing his feet, she spoke to the sage who was resting. She placed the burden and the fruits nearby.
I have chosen as my husband the noble Duṣyanta, the best of men. You should show him favor along with his ministers.
Kaṇva spoke.
I am truly pleased with him because of you, O beautiful one. Therefore, accept a boon from me, whatever you desire.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Then Shakuntala chose righteousness and stability for the kingdom, for the welfare of Dushyanta, of the Pauravas.