Another Version

Shakuntalaa is a character of Bhaagvat Puraan, although Mahaabhaarat also mentions her because its story begins from her son Bharat only. She was the daughter of Vishwaamitra Jee and Apsaraa Menakaa. It happened when Vishwaamitra Jee was doing severe Tap to become a Brahmarshi. Indra wanted to disturb his Tap so He sent Menakaa Apsaraa to destroy his Tap. She stayed there for 10 years and they had a girl. After the girl was born Menakaa left both Vishwaamitra Jee and the girl and came back to Swarg. The girl was named Shakuntalaa  and she was brought up by Kanv Rishi in his Aashram.

Once Raajaa Dushyant was out on preying spree that he came out towards Kanv Rishi's Aashram. That Aashram was very cool and comfortable. He looked here and there and found a beautiful girl wandering in her garden. He greeted her, Shakuntalaa also welcomed him in her Aashram, offered him some food and drink, and requested for some rest as she felt that he was a bit tired.

She said - "This is Muni Kanv's Aashram. I am his daughter Shakuntalaa. At this hour Muni is not in his Aashram, but you are free to have some food and take rest." Raajaa got impressed with her behavior, so he had some food and rest there. Muni had gone to Som Teerth.

But now Raajaa used to come there often and meet Shakuntalaa. Both had fallen in love with each other. And then one day Raajaa proposed to marry her. They got married according to Gandharv Vivaah system. Raajaa did not want to take her to his palace at the same time, so he said that - "I will come later to take you."

Shakuntalaa got scared and asked him whether he wouldn't forget her? At this Raajaa gave her his ring and said - "If by chance I could not return soon, you may use this ring to remind me about our relationship." Shakuntalaa kept that ring, and Raajaa went away to his capital.

Some time passed. Shakuntalaa was pregnant, she gave birth to a son in due course of time. She named him Bharat. He had all the signs and characteristics of being a Chakravartee Raajaa. But there was no information of Raajaa Dushyant. Shakuntalaa was very sad at this. Then one day Kanv Rishi said to her - "You have his ring. Take this ring and his son. I am sure he will surely recognize you." So Kanv Rishi bade farewell her with all his good wishes to Raajaa's place. He sent some disciples also along with her to take care of her in the way.

When she came to Dushyant's court, she said that she was the wife of Raajaa Dushyant, and the child was his son and she wanted to see him, but since Raajaa had never introduced her as his wife to his people, so nobody accepted her words. Still she persuaded them and was able to enter Raajaa's court. Raajaa saw her but couldn't recognize her at all. Then Shakuntalaa wanted to show him his ring which she brought with her but unfortunately she couldn't find it in spite of a thorough search. Helplessly she came out of the court crying and came back to her Aashram.