The story of the birth of Shakuntala is found in the Adi
Parva of the Mahabharata. She was the daughter of Sage Kaushika and Apsara
Menaka.
Kaushika belonged to the Suryavamshi dynasty and he desired
to become the most powerful living being. He renounced his kingdom and worldly
ties. He started performing intense austerities to become the powerful one in
the universe.
The news of the austerity started by Kaushika shook the
heaven. Indra, the king of Devas, feared that he would be dethroned by
Kaushika.
Indra appointed Apsara Menaka to break the celibacy vow of
Kaushika.
The highly desirable and voluptuous Menaka succeeded in
netting the Sage in her charms.
From the passionate union of Sage Kaushika and Apsara Menaka
was born a baby girl.
Her parents abandoned her in the forest as to Sage Kaushika
she was a proof of his failure to curb his desire.
The child was protected by a flock of Shakunta (birds). Sage
Kanava later discovered her and named her Shakuntala.