Rasa.

Though it is an elaborate subject in itself a short introduction is attempted here before delving into the theory of rasa. According to Indian theory of aesthetics, rasa is the taste or flavor of the work, an object or a piece of art. Rasabhinaya means the expression of ideas through sentiments or emotions. Usually all are familiar with the 6 types of taste- salt, hot, sweet, astringent, bitter and citric. But the rasa enjoyed by the mental state or pleasure achieved by from the art form is different. The organs of our body comprising of sensory, mental and intellectual, are the media of passing the sense of Bharatha has tried his level best to demonstrate the mental joy by the depiction of rasas. An astist should be able to evoke in the audience, the prominent rasas underlying in the piece he presents. Rasa is that emotional feeling felt by one when he enjoys, hears or sees a performance or a piece of artistic beauty. This can also be felt when-ever one reads a poetry, visualizes a thing of beauty, a scenery, or hears a musical melody or a visual performance. It should be felt by oneself and not to be injected by anybody else. Rasa can also be that senses of feeling evoked in one by the eminence of an artist.

                                        According to aesthetics rasas are nine in number namely

Navarasa.

1.Sringara

2.Hasya

3.Karuna

4.Raudra

5.Veera

6.Bhayanaka

7.Bhibhastsa

8.Adbhuta

9.Santha

                 According to Natyasastra there are only eight rasas, since Bharatanatyam does not approve Santha as a separate rasa.

1. Sringara:This is considred to be the king of rasas. Its sthayibhava is Rati which is erotic love or passionate love. Its origin is traced to the pleasure of love. This rasa is attributed to Lord Vishnu, itscolour is blue. The term literally means to decorate, or engage in a love talk between lovers. The playful sayings and deeds between lovers and married couple all evoke sringara.

2.Hasya: It is born from the SthayibavaHasa. The terms itself means laughter.It helps one to get relief from tension and worry.

3.Karuna:This rasa is resulted by the treatment of others as oneself and by becoming grieved at the misfortune of others due to sorrow or pain. Karuna rasa is shown by fainting, crying deeply, beating one’s own chest and bewailing.

4.Raudra: The term means anger and it is originated from Krodha. Its source is the irritable temper evoked when anger, shamed or defeat wins over a person. The decides to take revenge or vengeance.Killing, blaming, abusing,beating,ill-treating, failure to achieve success all leads to Raudra or Krodha.

5. Veera: The rasa becomes prominent when there is valour, heroism, mastery, pride, steadiness etc. The rasa banks upon the firmness and steadiness of the mind.

6.Bhayanaka: The term denotes the meaning fearful. Its sthayibhava is Bhaya or fear. The rasa is evoked at seeing ghastly sights. One being left alone, approaching death, expecting heavy loss, fearful noises, seeing ghosts, swift movement, capture of relatives all can lead to Bhayanaka rasa.

7. Bhibhatsa: It is “disgusting’’ or the mind being in a state of disgust. Its Sthayibhava is Jugupsa or hatred. The rasa is evoked when one sees or hears disgraceful events. It is caused by the sight of detestable things, betraying meanness, cruelty, intolerance, jealousy etc. The rasa is expressed by showing disgust in the face, eyes, vomiting and shuddering.

8.Adhuta: It means wonder or astonishment. Sthayibhava is vismaya and it is attributed to Brahma. The rasa results from strange sights, hearing of unexpected news, vision of divinity, unexpected victory, illusory effects, magic, fulfillment of desires etc.

9. Santha: This is the state of peacefulness or tranquility. Its property is feeling of calmless, quietness and peacefulness. Its sthayibhava is sama.