Bhayanak Rasa (Fear)

Bhayanak Rasa ( Fear)

Bhayanak Rasa, also known as the Rasa of Fear, is one of the nine classical Indian aesthetic emotions or rasas in the Rasa theory.

Definition: Bhayanak Rasa represents the emotion of fear or terror.

Mood (Rasa): Bhayanak Rasa

Expression (Bhava): Fear, terror, dread

Vibhav (Determinants): The determinants for Bhayanak Rasa include situations, events, or stimuli that evoke fear or terror. These could be supernatural elements, impending danger, or any circumstance that induces a sense of dread.

Anubhav (Consequent):

·       Physical Expressions: Trembling, sweating, a pale complexion, wide eyes, and a heightened state of alertness.

·       Verbal Expressions: Shivering voice, gasps, or screams reflecting the fear.

Vyabhichari Bhav (Transient Emotions):

·       Confusion (Moha): The disorientation and confusion that often accompany fear.

·       Paralysis (Stambha): A temporary state of immobility or paralysis due to intense fear.

·       Desperation (Vismaya): The feeling of being overwhelmed and helpless in the face of fear.

Examples of Bhayanak Rasa in Indian Literature:

1.     Mahabharata:

·       The section of the Mahabharata known as the "Bhishma Parva" describes the terrifying and destructive aspects of the Kurukshetra War, evoking a sense of fear and dread.

2.     Ramayana:

·       The abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana in the Ramayana creates a Bhayanak Rasa, as it instills fear for Sita's safety and sets the stage for the epic battle between Rama and Ravana.

3.     Kalidasa's "Shakuntala":

·       In "Shakuntala," the curse placed on Shakuntala by sage Durvasa creates a fearful situation, as it leads to the separation of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta.

Examples of Bhayanak Rasa in World Literature:

1.     William Shakespeare's "Macbeth":

·       The supernatural elements in "Macbeth," such as the witches and the ghostly apparitions, contribute to a pervasive sense of fear and dread throughout the play.

2.     Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein":

·       The monstrous creation of Frankenstein and the fear it instills in both its creator and society exemplify Bhayanak Rasa, exploring the consequences of playing with the boundaries of life and death.

3.     Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart":

·       The narrator's descent into madness and the suspense surrounding the concealed crime in this short story generate a chilling atmosphere, evoking Bhayanak Rasa.

4.     H.P. Lovecraft's Works:

·      Lovecraft's horror stories, such as "The Call of Cthulhu" and "At the Mountains of Madness," are renowned for creating an overwhelming sense of cosmic dread and fear of the unknown.

5.     Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex":

·       The revelation of Oedipus' tragic fate and the consequences of his actions contribute to a sense of fear and pity among the audience, aligning with the Bhayanak Rasa.

These examples showcase how Bhayanak Rasa transcends cultural boundaries and is a universal element in literature, tapping into the primal emotion of fear to engage and captivate audiences.

• Examples in Art Forms: Bhayanak Rasa is expressed in various traditional Indian art forms, such as dance, drama, and music. It is often used in the depiction of frightening or supernatural scenarios to evoke a sense of fear in the audience.

Understanding Bhayanak Rasa allows artists to skillfully portray and elicit the emotion of fear in their creative works, contributing to a more nuanced and emotionally resonant experience for the audience.