Bharata, the illustrious king of the Chandra – The Moon dynasty, is a significant figure in Hindu mythology. His name is synonymous with the country of India, which is often referred to as Bharatvarsha or Bharat in Hindu scriptures. According to myth, Bharata was the son of Dushyanta, a king of the solar dynasty, and Shakuntala – Mother of Bharata, a beautiful princess who was the daughter of the sage Viswamitra.
From a young age, Bharata showed a remarkable aptitude for war and even defeated his father, Dushyanta, in battle. This story is often told as an example of Bharata’s bravery and martial prowess. As he grew older, Bharata became a wise and just king, beloved by his people.
Despite having many sons, Bharata was unable to find a worthy successor among them. Therefore, he decided to perform a great Yagna, a sacred ritual, to obtain a son who would be worthy of succeeding him. The Yagna was performed with great devotion and fervor, and as a result, a son named Bhumanyu was born to Bharata.
Bhumanyu was destined to succeed Bharata as the king of the Chandra dynasty. According to myth, Bhumanyu was a wise and just ruler, who continued the legacy of his father and grandfather. The story of Bharata and Bhumanyu serves as a reminder of the importance of performing sacred rituals and seeking divine guidance in times of need.
In Hindu mythology, Bharata is closely related to other significant entities, including:
- Dushyanta: Bharata’s father and the king of the solar dynasty. Dushyanta is a symbol of wisdom, courage, and justice, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of dharma.
- Shakuntala: Bharata’s mother and the daughter of the sage Viswamitra. Shakuntala is a symbol of beauty, devotion, and maternal love, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of family and relationships.
- Viswamitra: Shakuntala’s father and a renowned sage. Viswamitra is a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom.
- Bhumanyu: Bharata’s son and the successor to the throne. Bhumanyu is a symbol of wisdom, justice, and leadership, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of dharma and continuing the legacy of one’s ancestors.
These entities are all significant figures in Hindu mythology, and their stories continue to inspire and guide spiritual seekers to this day.
Sources & further reading
These themes are explored in greater depth across the following authoritative resources:
- Britannica, Yoga in Hinduism
- Britannica, Puja
- Harvard Pluralism Project, Hindu Practice
- Internet Sacred Text Archive, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Diana L. Eck, Banaras: City of Light (Princeton University Press, 1982)
External resources for further reading. Apam Napat is not affiliated with these publishers; citation does not imply endorsement.
Based on the classical texts of Hindu mythology, see our sources.