The dynasty of the Kauravas and the Pandavas began long ago with King Puru. King Dushyanta of Hastinapura was a descendant of King Puru. Dushyanta was hunting in the forest when he came upon Shakuntala, the adopted daughter of Kanva rishi. Shakuntala was the daughter of Sage Vishwamitra and Menaka, one of the celestial maidens in the court of Indra, the king of the gods. Menaka had been sent by Indra to disturb the meditation of the great sage with her beauty. She succeeded and a daughter was born to them. Vishwamitra returned to his penance and Menaka left the infant on the banks of River Malini, to return to her abode. Kanva rishi found her there, protected by two shakunta birds, and naming her Shakuntala, brought her up as his daughter. Dushyanta married her. Promising to return he left for his kingdom, giving her a ring with his name on it.
A Dynasty Begins
