Rejoicing at the wondrous turn of events, King Dushyanta called together his priest and ministers, inviting them to listen to the words spoken by the divine messenger. He urged them all to hear not only the message of the gods but also the pronouncements of the great sages, affirming, “I too know this son as truly my own.” Yet, he reflected aloud that if he were to accept the boy as his son based solely on Shakuntala’s word, doubts might arise among the people, and the child’s purity would be questioned. Therefore, after clarifying the matter with the assembled gods and sages, the king, his heart overflowing with joy, finally accepted the child as his own. Filled with happiness and paternal affection, Dushyanta performed all the ancestral rites for his son, embracing him lovingly and smelling his head in the time-honored gesture of blessing. The king was honored by Brahmins and praised by bards, and the touch of his son brought him supreme joy. True to righteousness, Dushyanta also honored his wife Shakuntala according to dharma, addressing her with gentle and soothing words. “In the past, our relationship was hidden from the world,” he told her, “but today, before all, our bond is openly reestablished.” He explained that this was the reason for his earlier hesitation—to ensure that no one would suspect any impropriety on her part, and to secure her reputation for purity. He assured Shakuntala that all the people—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—would now honor her as a blameless and faithful wife. “This son is chosen for the kingdom, and you shall be my chief queen,” he declared. With warmth, he added, “Whatever harsh or unpleasant words you may have spoken to me in anger, O beautiful-eyed one, I have forgiven them. Likewise, if I have ever spoken words that were false, improper, or harsh, please forgive me. By patience and devotion, women attain the highest status as devoted wives.” Having spoken thus, the royal sage led Shakuntala, whose conduct was beyond reproach, into the inner chambers, making her his beloved queen. He honored her with fine garments, food, and drink, and then went to his mother to speak with Rathantari. “My son has been born in the forest and will dispel your sorrow,” he announced joyfully. “Today, by your grandson, O blessed one, I am freed from my debt.” He introduced Shakuntala, saying, “This is the daughter of Vishvamitra, raised by Kanva; she is now your daughter-in-law, O greatly fortunate one. Be gracious to Shakuntala.” Hearing her son’s words, Rathantari embraced her grandson; Shakuntala, humbly falling at her feet, was in turn embraced by Rathantari, who held her with both arms and shed tears of joy. Gazing upon Shakuntala, she spoke these true words: “I see the auspicious signs and marks. Your son, O large-eyed one, will become a universal emperor; your husband will be the conqueror of the three worlds. You, woman of excellent complexion, will attain divine enjoyments.” Thus blessed, Shakuntala felt supreme joy. In accordance with the scriptures, King Dushyanta then made Shakuntala his chief queen, adorning her with all the proper ornaments. He bestowed wealth upon the Brahmins and his soldiers, and installed his son, born of Shakuntala and known as the Dauṣyanti, as his heir. Naming him Bharata, Dushyanta consecrated him as crown prince, entrusting the kingdom to Bharata and considering his own duties fulfilled. Having ruled the kingdom for a full hundred years, King Dushyanta retired to the forests and attained the world of the gods. Bharata, son of Dushyanta, received the kingdom in accordance with dharma, and his renowned deeds began to shine forth. Brilliant, divine, unconquered, and celebrated throughout the worlds, Bharata subdued the earth’s rulers and made them obedient. He practiced the dharma of the righteous and gained unsurpassed fame, becoming a universal emperor and mighty sovereign of all. Bharata performed many great sacrifices, like Indra himself, with Kanva officiating as the chief priest, and gave abundant gifts. He performed the splendid horse sacrifice called Govitata, and in it gave a thousand golden lotuses to Kanva. Along the banks of the Yamuna, he performed a hundred ashvamedha sacrifices; three hundred more along the Sarasvati, and four hundred along the Ganga. Thus did King Bharata, son of Dushyanta and Shakuntala, perform sacrifices, and from him the great fame of the Bharata lineage spread far and wide. Bharata had sons from various noble women, but he did not accept them, saying, “They are not worthy to be called mine.” Angered, the mothers took their sons to the abode of Yama, and thus, for Bharata, the birth of sons was fruitless. Later, Bharata performed great sacrifices, and from the sage Bharadwaja he obtained a son named Bhumanyu. Recognizing Bhumanyu as his son and the joy of the Paurava line, Bharata, best of the Bharatas, installed him as crown prince. Bhumanyu’s line continued with his son Diviratha, followed by Suhotra, Suhota, Suhavi, and Suyajus. In Pushkarini, Bhumanyu had sons—Ruchika and others—and among them, Suhotra, the eldest, was granted sovereignty over the earth. Suhotra, in turn, performed many sacrifices, including the Rajasuya and Ashvamedha, and ruled the entire earth, girdled by the ocean, as a mighty and righteous king.