Sakuntala and Kama

“The sight of Sakuntala has made me dread the return to the city. I will make my men cap at a distance from the pious grove. But I cannot turn my thoughts from Sakuntala. It is my body leaves my love, not I; My body moves away, but not my mind.”

This quote above represents the infatuation that the king had for Sakuntala. Kama in the broadest sense means a desire, wish of longing for something. The King comes across Sakuntala and is drawn to her beauty. This infatuation is similar to what we saw with Echo and Narcissus. Echo could not have Narcissus just as Sakuntala could not have the king after she was cursed and lost possession of the wedding ring. The King represented Dharma through his actions of paying respect at the Hermitage while also honoring his promises to Sakuntala.  Sakuntala showed hospitality by welcoming the King and giving him water and rest. This may also be a form of Dharma in a less ritualistic way.