13 (Sakuntala) The Trouble Started Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

The friends of Sakuntala,
Anusuya and Pryamvada,
Brought flowers from garden
As their daily routine.

Anusuya said, “Sakuntala
Married King Dushyanta,
Who’s now in his palace,
Leaving her in this place.”

‘I’ve a doubt, how far
He’ll remember her
In the political situations
And other compulsions.”

Pryamvada said, “He’s great,
And will never do like that,
But how her father will take,
Here, when he comes back? ”

Anusuya replied, “Yes,
This marriage, he’ll bless.
As without his efforts,
It was arranged by Gods.”

It was at this moment,
Sage Durvasa went
And knocked the gate
Of the Sakuntala’s hut.

She was preoccupied
With her past deeds,
So, she didn’t respond
When the Sage knocked.

He was terribly upset
And cursed her for that.
“You arrogant girl,
You’ll face trouble.”

“I stood at your door step.
But you didn’t open it up.
You’ve forgotten all others
Excepting the one of yours.”

“Never will you remain,
In the memory of his own,
Even if the past events,
Are taken to his notice.”

Both her friends begged,
“Oh Sage, pardon this maid,
This is her first offence,
Of ignoring your presence.”

The Sage said, “My curse
Will never become false.
If any of his jewel is shown
Back his memory will return.”

She had the royal ring
Given to her by the King.
So, they were happy
At the Sage’s mercy.

They decided, “Let us keep it
Away from her, as a secret,
As it’ll be a shock to her
If it goes into her ears.”

This way, the trouble started.
Her bad days were ahead.
The innocent pious girl
Faced the first ordeal.

(Note: Durvasa was a hot
tempered Sage and gave
curses to anyone, who
disrespected him)