The sage who raised Shakuntala in his hermitage.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Kalidasa's Abhijnanashakuntalam) noted where relevant.
Kanva is a sage whose hermitage was on the banks of the Malini river. He found and raised the infant Shakuntala.
When Dushyanta came to the hermitage, Kanva was away. On his return, he approved of the marriage. Later, when Shakuntala left for the palace, he blessed her.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.