O Dushyanta, it is said that women are pure and unmatched in this world according to dharma, for each month their natural flow cleanses them of all impurities. As this truth was spoken, voices from every direction—beings of all kinds—rose up together in unison. They proclaimed: “The one who bears the seed lifts the son from the realm of Yama, O King. You are the nourisher of the embryo—Śakuntalā has spoken the truth. The husband enters the wife, and in her he is born again; this is the mutual nature of husband and wife. Do not disregard Śakuntalā, for the wife gives birth to a son from her own body, made of two parts. Therefore, O Dushyanta, accept your son Śākuntala, O King. This is a blessing, not to be cast aside. Let your life support your own son. O Dushyanta, cherish the great-souled Śākuntala, the Paurava. He is to be maintained by you even more than by our command; let this son of yours be named Bharata. From Bharata comes the renowned name by which this lineage is called Bhārata; those who came before and after are known as Bhāratas.” Having spoken thus, the gods and ascetic sages, radiant with austerity, joyfully showered a rain of flowers upon them, delighting in Śakuntalā’s devotion as a faithful wife. Hearing the words of the gods, Dushyanta, descendant of Puru, rose from his throne and bowed low before the immortals. Rejoicing, he called to his priest and ministers, saying, “Let all of you also hear these words spoken by the divine messengers. Let the words of the gods and the great sages be heard; I, too, now know this son as truly my own. Had I accepted this son only on her word, there would have been doubt among the people, and his purity would have been questioned. Therefore, now that the gods and great sages have confirmed it, I accept this son with joy and delight.” Filled with happiness and deep affection, the king performed all the ancestral rites for his son. He embraced him with love, smelling his head as fathers do. Honored by Brahmins and praised by bards, Dushyanta experienced supreme joy in the touch of his son. The righteous king also honored his wife Śakuntalā according to dharma, and gently spoke to her with soothing words: “Before, our relationship was hidden from the world; today, before all, our bond has been openly established again. That is why I spoke as I did. People might have suspected, because of your womanhood, that there was some impropriety with me; so I also acted for the sake of your purity. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, each according to their station, will honor you, O queen, as a blameless and faithful wife. This son is now chosen for the kingdom; you shall be my chief queen. And whatever harsh or unpleasant words you, with beautiful eyes, spoke to me in anger, O beloved, I have forgiven them. Likewise, whether my words were false, improper, harsh, or exceedingly wrong, O large-eyed one, you too must forgive me. By patience for the sake of her husband, a woman attains the status of a devoted wife.” Having spoken thus, the royal sage led Śakuntalā, whose conduct was above reproach, into the inner chambers, making her his beloved queen. He honored her with garments, food, and drink, and then approached his mother to speak with Rathantari. He said, “My son was born in the forest; he will dispel your sorrow. Today I am freed from my debt by your grandson, O blessed one. This is the daughter of Vishvamitra, raised by Kanva; she is your daughter-in-law, O greatly fortunate one—be gracious to Śakuntalā.” Hearing her son’s words, Rathantari embraced her grandson, and Śakuntalā, falling at her feet, was embraced in turn. Rathantari wept tears of joy and spoke these true words: “I see the signs and marks. Your son, O large-eyed one, will become a universal emperor; your husband, O large-eyed one, will be the conqueror of the three worlds. And you, woman of excellent complexion, will attain divine enjoyments.” Thus addressed, Śakuntalā felt supreme joy. Then, following the rites prescribed in the scriptures, the king made Śakuntalā his chief queen, adorning her with all ornaments. He gave wealth to the Brahmins and his soldiers, and installed his son, born of Śakuntalā, the Dauṣyanti, as crown prince, naming him Bharata. Entrusting the responsibilities of the kingdom to Bharata, the king considered his duties fulfilled. Dushyanta ruled the kingdom for a full hundred years, and then, having completed his earthly tasks, he retired to the forests and attained the world of the gods. From Dushyanta, Bharata received the kingdom in accordance with law, and the renowned deeds of that great soul began. Brilliant, divine, unconquered, and celebrated throughout the worlds, Bharata subdued all the earth’s rulers, making them obedient. He practiced the dharma of the righteous and attained unsurpassed fame, becoming a universal emperor, sovereign of all, and mighty. Like Indra, lord of the Maruts, he performed many sacrifices, with Kanva officiating as Daksha did, bestowing abundant gifts upon all.