Vishwamitra is back on the mission to establish himself as Brahmarishi.
This time he is without any bindings. No wife, no daughter. He begins his Tapasya and his wife Maneka is clearly unhappy with the curse exonerated on her… Maneka is being informed about the well-being of Shakuntala by Narad Muni.
Cut to Kanva Maharishi Ashram: Kanva Maharishi is the happiest sage after adapting ‘Shakuntala’. He announces her as his daughter. 10-year-old Shakuntala slowly accepted Kanva Maharishi as her father. Everyone in the ashram treats her especially and royally. The ashram is diverse, something similar to the Valmiki ashram shown in Uttar Ramayana serial.
A few days later, Shakuntala asks Kanva Maharishi ‘Why are other student’s father’s young and why are you old? Where is my mother?’ Kanva Maharishi promises her that at the right time, she will get all her answers. A year goes by, Shakuntala is 11 years old. She is still searching for her answers and her mother. But soon she is least bothered as her focus shifts to completing her education & build knowledge. She turns into a multi-talented and a wise lady. Narad comes to the ashram and is in secret discussion with Kanva Maharishi on Shakuntala’s story.
Narad Muni advises Kanva Maharishi, to tell the truth soon. He wants the truth revealed before Shakuntala knows on her own. As soon as Narad Muni leaves, both Shakuntala and Gouthami (caretaker of Shakuntala) enters the room of Kanva Maharishi. That’s the moment. Kanva Maharishi decides to reveal Shakuntala entire story. He says ‘Dear Shakuntala, you keep asking me questions right, today you will get all the answers’!
“While listening to the story, the playful and soulful Shakuntala melts down”.
She is hit by agony yet she remains calm and doesn’t vent out her emotions. Surprisingly, Shakuntala silently moves out of the room and goes into her own shell. As she sits isolated, a lot of thoughts both future and her past striker her. Shakuntala chooses not to get affected by her past, instead run for being the best and build her future
Vishwamitra’s Tapasya yet again disturbs and worries Indra – Sends Rambha on a mission
Indra is imagining a bad loss and his surrender to Vishwamitra. He wants to stop the Tapasya at any cost. This time he sends Rambha. Menaka is already experiencing pain. Rambha knows everything but she has to obey her Kind Indra. Rambha reluctantly leaves to Bhu Loka, her mission is to break Vishwamitra’s Tapasya. She reaches the place. Rambha then hesitantly starts seducing aiming to distract Vishwamitra, but she terribly fails. Because this time Vishwamitra is well-prepared and he is much intellectual.
Vishwamitra opens his eyes and watches Rambha. The moment he sees Rambha’s action, furious and raging sage curses Rambha. He knew that the man behind all this is Indra, he wanted to send a message. Vishwamitra then curses Rambha to turn into stone for 1,000 years. Once again, his anger defeats him.
Difference between Vasishtha and Vishwamitra – ‘Anger’
For any sage to reach the level of Brahmarishi, the most important trait is to give up anger and become a matured individual. A Brahmarishi is the one who dismisses his anger. Even for a person like Vishwamitra, anger is harmful. Vishwamitra realises his mistake. He is disappointed but not tired enough to call it ‘I quit’. Sage Vishwamitra has a big dream; he wants to reach the status of Vasishtha at any cost.
Anger is not the trait of a spiritual person. The moment sage curses anyone he or she loses their accumulated yogic power, Which happens in the Vishwamitra case. He recalls his mistake and sits back in Tapasya. Unfortunately, he has to start all over again. It’s like reaching 10th chapter and suddenly going back to 1st chapter.
All this happens when Shakuntala is 16 years old. Teenager Shakuntala learns unbelievable stories in the ashram. She is approaching her end days of education. Shakuntala is now 16 and she comes out as a powerful and undisputed student. She becomes famous with her knowledge and her maturity levels are in no comparison to other students.
One day Gautham Rishi comes to the ashram of Kanva Maharishi. Rishi Gautham was a famous sage those days for his fight and study on the discriminatory caste system in the country. People in the ashram were excited to listen to his speech and learn his views & insights on the caste system. As per the plan his speech was scheduled for the evening. Even Shakuntala is hugely excited for the arrival of Gautham Muni. The previous day, all people in the ashram are involved in setting up things.
While the works were going on, a group of people starts discussing Rishi Gautham and his wife Ahalya. The name ‘Ahalya’ brings a storm in the story and changes the thought process of Shakuntala. After discussions about Ahalya, Shakuntala is broken and distraught.
