Sringara Rasa - Sentiment of Beauty

 Śṛṅgāra Rasa (The Erotic / Love Sentiment)

1. Introduction

The concept of Rasa is central to Indian poetics and dramaturgy. It was first systematically explained by Bharata Muni in his treatise Natyashastra.

Among the nine rasas (Navarasa), Śṛṅgāra Rasa is considered the king of rasas (Rasarāja). It represents love, beauty, attraction, and emotional union. It arises from the permanent emotion (Sthāyi Bhāva) called Rati (love or delight).

2. Definition

According to Bharata Muni:

“Rati sthāyibhāva when manifested through proper determinants, consequents and transitory states becomes Śṛṅgāra Rasa.”

In simple words:

Śṛṅgāra Rasa is the aesthetic experience of love and romantic emotion.

3. Characteristics of Śṛṅgāra Rasa

• Based on love (Rati)

• Expresses beauty, charm, attraction

• Associated with youth and pleasant surroundings

• Gentle and soft in tone

• Dominant colour: Shyāma (dark blue/green)

• Presiding deity: Vishnu

• Considered the most delightful and refined rasa

Śṛṅgāra has two main types:

1. Sambhoga Śṛṅgāra – Love in union

2. Vipralambha Śṛṅgāra – Love in separation

4. Determinants (Vibhāva)

Vibhāva means the causes or stimuli that produce love.

It has two parts:

(a) Ālambana Vibhāva (Supporting cause)

• The hero (Nayaka)

• The heroine (Nayika)

(b) Uddīpana Vibhāva (Exciting cause)

• Moonlight

• Spring season

• Gardens

• Music

• Fragrance

• Beautiful dress

These external elements awaken love.

5. Anubhāva (Consequents)

Anubhāvas are the physical expressions of love:

• Smiling

• Gentle glances

• Blushing

• Sweet speech

• Embracing

• Lowering of eyes

They show the inner feeling outwardly.

6. Vyabhichāri Bhāvas (Transitory Emotions)

These are temporary emotions that support the main emotion (Rati).

Some important ones in Śṛṅgāra:

• Anxiety

• Jealousy

• Joy

• Impatience

• Dreaming

• Remembrance

• Shame

• Eagerness

They help in deepening the rasa.

7. Examples from Drama

(1) Abhijnanasakuntalam by Kalidasa

• The love between King Duṣyanta and Śakuntalā is a perfect example of Sambhoga and Vipralambha Śṛṅgāra.

• The hermitage setting, spring season, and tender dialogues create romantic beauty.

(2) Meghadutam

• The Yaksha separated from his wife shows Vipralambha Śṛṅgāra.

• His longing and emotional message through the cloud express intense love in separation.

8. World Acceptance

Though the theory of Rasa originated in India, the emotion of love is universal.

• Romantic literature across cultures expresses similar sentiments.

• Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies show romantic love.

• Modern cinema worldwide revolves around love stories.

• Western aesthetic theory also recognizes emotional response in art (though not exactly called “Rasa”).

Thus, Śṛṅgāra Rasa has universal appeal, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries.

9. Summing up

Śṛṅgāra Rasa is the most beautiful and powerful rasa in Indian aesthetics. Rooted in Rati, it portrays both the joy of union and the pain of separation. Through proper use of Vibhāva, Anubhāva and Vyabhichāri Bhāva, it creates deep emotional pleasure in the audience. It is rightly called the King of Rasas, because love is the foundation of human life and art.