Kanvashram, 14 km from Kotdwar, it is believed that sage Vishwamitra meditated at this place. Fearing Vishwamitra’s intense meditation, Indra, the king of sub-Gods sent a charming heavenly damsel Menka to distract him.
Menka succeeded in seducing and thus, distracting the sage. A daughter was born as fruit of their union. She was named Shakuntala who was then, left in the ashram in the care of Rishi Kanva.
Shakuntala later, upon marriage with Dushyant, the ruler of Hastinapur, gave birth to prince Bharat. It is by virtue of this name – Bharat – that India came to be called Bharatvarsha and thus Bharat.
