RasaRaj Sringara: The King of Emotions
In Indian classical arts, rasa—derived from the Vedas and meaning “taste” or “that which can be enjoyed”—is what connects us to the performance on a deeper emotional level. Imagine watching a dancer or actor, feeling their sorrow, joy, or anger so intensely that it resonates with you. That’s the magic of rasa!
What is Rasa?
Rasa is the soul of Indian classical arts, infusing performances with energy, color, and emotional depth. It creates an intimate connection between the performer and the audience, and it is the very reason we are moved and captivated by the arts.
The term rasa originates from the Rigveda, where it is referred to as somarasa, the nectar of the Gods. The Upanishads define it as raso vai saha—the essence, the taste, the sweetness of the Supreme (Taittiriya Upanishad). In the Natyashastra, a revered text by Bharat Muni, rasa is described as an emotional essence or flavor, made tangible through a mix of static and dynamic emotions. Bharat’s Rasa Theory explains how rasa is evoked by the interplay of Sthayi Bhava(static emotions), Anubhava (external manifestations), Vibhaav (root cause), and Sanchari Bhavas (transitory emotions).
The Eight Rasas of Bharat Muni
According to Bharat Muni, there are eight fundamental rasas:
Adbhuta (Wonder)
Bhayanak (Fear)
Bibhatsa (Disgust)
Veera (Heroism)
Raudra (Anger)
Karuna (Compassion)
Hasya (Humor)
Sringara (Romance)
In his commentary, Abhinavabharati, Abhinavagupta adds a ninth rasa: Shanta (Peace & Tranquility). Together, these nine rasas make up the Nava Rasas—the nine sentiments that form the foundation of Indian classical performance.
Color Of Sringara Rasa: Green (Blue-ish)
Deity of Sringara: Lord Vishnu
Sringara Rasa: The Essence of Love
Sringara Rasa comes from the deep well of romantic passion (Rati) and is often associated with the love between two lovers. On stage, it is depicted through the adornment of the female form with flowers, garlands, makeup, and jewelry.
However, Sringara transcends the simple idea of romance. It embodies the eternal union of Shiva and Shakti, the divine love between Radha and Krishna, and the devotion of Rama and Sita. It is a profound, spiritual connection between the soul and the Divine—a love that is boundless and eternal.
There are two expressions of Sringara:
Sambhoga (Union) – the joy of two souls coming together, like Radha meeting Krishna.
Vipralambha (Separation) – the sorrow and yearning felt when lovers are apart, best illustrated in the Ramayana when Rama and Sita experience the agony of separation. This longing is also referred to as Viraha Rasa.
Sringara in Music: A Dance of Emotion
In Hindustani music, Sringara Rasa takes center stage, weaving its way through many ragas. Some ragas, such as Raga Sohni, Bihag, and Kafi, are known as Sringarik ragas, designed to evoke the feeling of joyous love.
A special genre of Hindustani music called Thumri also explores Sringara Rasa. Using ragas that embrace the middle and higher octaves, Thumri compositions (or bandishes) narrate the playful and affectionate love between Krishna and the Gopis—celebrating moments of Holi and Raas that speak of tender love and joyous longing.
The traditional image of Krishna & Radha dancing their Raas-Lila, or divine play of love.
Sringara in Bhakti: Devotion as Love
Devotion (Bhakti) is a manifestation of love—pure and steadfast love for the Divine. The highest form of love is true Bhakti, where one’s heart becomes entwined with the Divine. This intertwining of Sringara Rasa and Bhakti Rasa is beautifully illustrated in many devotional works.
For instance, Adi Shankaracharya’s Saundarya Lahiri praises the beauty and grace of the Goddess, offering both a devotional hymn and an expression of love. This blend of devotion and romantic love is also captured in Gita Govinda, a 12th-century work by Jayadeva. The Gita Govinda portrays the relationship between Krishna and Radha, using the vibrant season of Vasanta (spring) as a backdrop for themes of love, longing, and separation. While it may seem like a romantic narrative, it is also considered one of the most influential Bhakti texts, celebrated for its devotion.
Sringara Rasa: The King of Emotions
Sringara Rasa, though often portrayed as romantic love, is a profound emotion that encompasses devotion, longing, and union. It reveals the depth of our connection to the Divine and to each other, making it the most powerful and transformative of the rasas. Through its many forms—whether in music, dance, or literature—Sringara continues to be the heartbeat of Indian classical arts.
