Depiction of Aashram in Kalidasa’s Abhijnanashakuntalam

Abstract

Aashram was a place where hermits lived in seclusion from the rest of the world for religious purposes. Originally hermitages were natural caves, a hut in the forest or temple ruins.

Generally, these are situated in beautiful natural spots with many flora and fauna. Hermitage in ancient India is supposed to be a utopia. Kalidasa is considered one of India’s greatest writers, dramatists and poets. Abhijnanashakuntalam is one of his finest creations, where he has presented a very lively description of Kanv Aashram. He has given a detailed description of the surroundings of Kanv Aashram in the drama. It is apparent that he was familiar with the location of Kanv Aashram, which is situated in Uttarakhand. The present paper explores how Kalidas has portrayed the ashram in Abhijnanshakuntalam.