Bharata is regarded a partial manifestation of the deity Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
He is the son of King Dushyanta and the maiden Shakuntala.
- Dushyanta and Shakuntala marry in secret in a gandharva marriage that they both agree on.
- Dushyanta is forced to return to his city, leaving Shakuntala at home.
- Durvasas, the sage, curses her that her beloved would forget her while he is away.
- Bharata is born later, and Shakuntala sets off to find her lover.
- Before the curse is broken, she must go through numerous hardships.
Because Shakuntala and Dushyanta wedded in secret, it takes time for Bharata to be recognized as Dushyanta's legitimate son and successor to the kingdom.
- Bharata rules for a long time when he eventually ascends the throne.
- Following his rule, the Indian subcontinent is known as Bharata.
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