Parents are an inseparable part of every person's life. They are the ones through whom all the joys of this world become possible. The Creator, from whom one originates, is also a source of concern for all. Since ancient times, this has remained unchanged. Then why am I so unfortunate? I have never received my parents' love.**
Sitting in the prayer room before the ritual fire, gazing at the blazing flames, devkonya was lost in thought. As the great sage offered ghee into the sacred fire, he chanted mantras in his deep, powerful voice. At the end of the ritual, he entered deep meditation, and in that moment, he could perceive the thoughts within devkonya's heart.
After his meditation ended, he said, "Daughter, if the mind is submerged in sorrow, it will hinder your spiritual practice." Hearing this, the devkonya asked, "guru pita, who am I? Who are my parents? Are they just names, or did they leave an imprint upon this world? Will I ever find the answer? Why does your explanation fail to bring me peace, O Lord?" Once again, she questioned, "Will my parents not come even this time, Gurudeva?"
In the ashram, other girls' parents would come to visit them every year during the annual festival. From far and wide, they arrived, and only those whose parents came were permitted to leave the ashram. But she was never allowed. If she attempted to leave, strict punishment awaited her. "Why did my parents leave me here? Have they truly never wished to see me in all these years?" The sage smiled gently and said, "They did not abandon you, daughter. They were forced to leave. I have told you before—they can no longer connect with anything in this earthly realm. Your father was overcome by a dark force and left this world, while your mother, unable to bear the loss of her husband, chose self-sacrifice. They entrusted you to their most faithful companion, who brought you here."
Her gaze grew more distant. She silently cursed her fate.
"Put aside your sorrow, my child. You are not the only one deprived of parental love. Let me tell you about another unfortunate daughter. You will understand that every person has a purpose in life. We are born to fulfill a mission, and once that mission is complete, death inevitably follows."
The sage then began a tale.
At the end of the **Satya Yuga**, during the dawn of the **Treta Yuga**, there lived a great sage named **Vishvamitra**. One day, he immersed himself in a deep spiritual practice. Seeing this, the king of the gods, **Indra**, sought to distract him. He sent one of his celestial maidens, **Menaka**, to disrupt the sage's meditation. She approached Vishvamitra's place of worship, intent on beguiling him with her charms. Her sweet voice, enchanting words, mesmerizing beauty, and captivating dance stirred desire within the sage. The strength of his devotion faltered, and his pursuit of enlightenment came to an abrupt halt.
As time passed, Vishvamitra realized Indra's scheme. Terrified, Menaka fled. Yet, she was carrying a child. After her daughter was born, she abandoned her by the **Malini River** and returned to heaven.
Hearing this, the divine debkonyas heart was heavy with grief. **"How could parents forsake their own child, denying them love and care?"** The sage smiled and said, **"Who are parents? The scriptures say that a parent is one who gives the body, one who gives life, and one who provides sustenance. Menaka did not feel kindness or affection when she left her newborn daughter in danger. But wild birds sheltered the infant through the night, protecting her. Eventually, the sage **Kanva** discovered her and took her into his ashram, raising her as his own daughter. He named her **Shakuntala**, as she had been guarded by the birds, known as 'Shakunta' in Sanskrit."**
Deeply moved, the devkanya spoke, **"Then, Gurudev, you are my father as well. If Kanva was Shakuntala's father, then I am your foster daughter. And today, on this sacred festival of the ashram's foundation, I have a request to make of you. But I will share it in due time."