रस - रस निष्पत्ति एवं स्थायी भाव Rasa – Rasa Nishpatti evam Sthayi Bhav (रस)
Sanskrit Rasa theory (Bharatamuni) — the nine rasas (Shringar to Shant), Rasa Nishpatti (aesthetic realization), Sthayi Bhava, Vibhava, Anubhava and Vyabhichari Bhav. Sanskrit Rasa theory (Bharatamuni) — the nine rasas (Shringar to Shant), Rasa Nishpatti (aesthetic realization), Sthayi Bhava, Vibhava, Anubhava and Vyabhichari Bhav.
Detailed Brief Overview
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| What/Who | Bharata Muni is the founding father of Sanskrit Poetics and author of Natyashastra. |
| Era/Period | Ancient period of Sanskrit literature, estimated between 2nd Century BCE to 2nd Century CE. |
| Why Important | Introduced the foundational Rasa Sutra (Vibhavanubhava-vyabhichari-samyogad-rasa-nishpattih) which forms the backbone of all Indian aesthetics. |
| Key Features | Sthayi Bhava (permanent emotion) transforms into Rasa (aesthetic relish) through Vibhava (determinants), Anubhava (consequents), and Vyabhichari Bhava (transitory emotions). |
| Sub-types/Major Works | Natyashastra by Bharata Muni, Dhvanyaloka by Anandavardhana, Sahitya Darpana by Vishvanatha, Kavyaprakasa by Mammata. |
| Significance for UP Exam | High-scoring theoretical and analytical section. Questions regularly test Rasa names, Sthayi Bhavas, Deities, and Commentators on Rasa Sutra. |
| Core Formula | Rasa Nishpatti (accomplishment of Rasa) occurs via the union (Samyoga) of Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava with Sthayi Bhava. |
| Total Rasas | Navarasa (Nine Rasas) recognized in classical Sanskrit poetics, starting with Shringara and ending with Shanta. |
Concepts and Theories
1. Core Concept Definition & The Rasa Sutra
• Rasa Sutra: Vibhavanubhava-vyabhichari-samyogad-rasa-nishpattih (From the union of Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava, the accomplishment of Rasa takes place).
2. Four Constituents of Rasa (Rasa Samgri)
• Sthayi Bhava: The principal permanent emotion that underlies the poetic situation (e.g., Rati for Shringara).
3. Four Major Commentators on the Rasa Sutra
• Bhatta Lollata: Propounded Utpattivada (Theory of Production/Origin); Rasa is produced and located primarily in the historical character (Anukarya).
4. Classification of the Navarasa (Nine Rasas)
• Shringara (Erotic), Hasya (Comic), Karuna (Pathetic), Raudra (Furious), Veera (Heroic), Bhayanaka (Terrible), Bibhatsa (Odious), Adbhuta (Marvellous), and Shanta (Peaceful).
5. Identification Method & Analysis Approach for Poetry
• Step 1: Read the Sanskrit verse (Padyam) carefully to identify keywords indicating emotional tone.
Important Facts and Data
| Rasa Name | Sthayi Bhava (Permanent Emotion) | Presiding Deity (Devata) | Associated Color (Varna) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shringara (Erotic) | Rati (Love/Delight) | Vishnu | Shyama (Dark/Black) |
| Hasya (Comic) | Hasa (Mirth/Laughter) | Pramatha | Sveta (White) |
| Karuna (Pathetic) | Shoka (Grief/Sorrow) | Yama | Kapota (Dove-grey) |
| Raudra (Furious) | Krodha (Anger) | Rudra | Rakta (Red) |
| Veera (Heroic) | Utsaha (Energy/Enthusiasm) | Mahendra | Gaura (Golden/Yellow) |
| Bhayanaka (Terrible) | Bhaya (Fear) | Kala | Krishna (Black) |
| Bibhatsa (Odious) | Jugupsa (Disgust/Aversion) | Shiva | Nila (Blue) |
| Adbhuta (Marvellous) | Vismaya (Wonder/Astonishment) | Brahma | Pita (Yellow) |
| Shanta (Peaceful) | Shama / Nirveda (Serenity/Detachment) | Narayan | Kunda-Prabha (White like Jasmine) |
Major Commentators and Theories of Rasa Nishpatti
| Commentator | Theory Name | Philosophical Basis | Location of Rasa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhatta Lollata | Utpattivada | Mimamsa Philosophy | Located in the historical character (Anukarya), imitated by actor. |
| Shankuka | Anumitivada | Nyaya Philosophy | Inferred by the spectator through logical inference (Anumana). |
| Bhatta Nayaka | Bhuktivada | Sankhya-Vedanta Philosophy | Enjoyed universally by the reader through Sadharanikarana (generalization). |
| Abhinavagupta | Abhivyaktivada | Advaita Vedanta / Shaiva Philosophy | Manifested in the heart of the spectator through suggestion (Vyanjana). |
Classic Sanskrit Literary Examples and Source Poets
| Rasa | Representative Sanskrit Work | Author / Poet | Context / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shringara | Abhijnanashakuntalam | Kalidasa | Romance between Dushyanta and Shakuntala. |
| Karuna | Uttararamacharitam | Bhavabhuti | Grief of Rama upon parting from Sita. |
| Veera | Veeracharita / Kiratarjunీయम् | Bhavabhuti / Bharavi | Heroic valor and combat scenes. |
| Raudra | Venisamhara | Bhattanarayana | Furious anger of Bhima against Kauravas. |
| Adbhuta | Abhijnanashakuntalam (Act VII) | Kalidasa | Wonder at celestial abodes and divine sights. |
| Bibhatsa | Mahaviracharitam | Bhavabhuti | Battlefield scenes with blood, flesh, and decay. |
| Bhayanaka | Mrichchhakatika | Shudraka | Fear evoked by perilous situations. |
| Hasya | Mattavilasa Prahasana | Mahendravarman | Comic situations involving erratic ascetics. |
| Shanta | Buddhacharitam | Ashvaghosa | Spiritual detachment and pursuit of Nirvana. |
Tricks to Remember
- Trick 1: The Four Commentators' Order:
Remember the sequence Lollata -> Shankuka -> Nayaka -> Abhinavagupta using the mnemonic 'L-S-N-A' (Like Sweet Nectar Always) matching Utpatti, Anumiti, Bhukti, Abhivyakti.
- Trick 2: Sthayi Bhava Matching:
Associate sound similarity: Shringara -> Rati, Hasya -> Hasa, Karuna -> Shoka, Raudra -> Krodha, Veera -> Utsaha, Bhayanaka -> Bhaya, Bibhatsa -> Jugupsa, Adbhuta -> Vismaya, Shanta -> Shama.
- Trick 3: Bharata Muni's Rasa Count:
Remember that Bharata Muni's Natyashastra lists Ashta Rasas (8 Rasas) explicitly in the primary verse, leaving out Shanta which was added later as the 9th.
- Trick 4: Vibhava Subdivisions:
Vibhava is split into two: Alambana (Foundation/Object - who is loved/feared) and Uddipana (Enhancer - moonlit night, jungle roar that boosts the emotion).
- Trick 5: Abhinavagupta's Siddhanta:
Abhinavagupta's Abhivyaktivada is considered the most authoritative (Siddhanta) in Sanskrit Poetics because it explains how latent emotions are awakened through Vyanjana (suggestion).
- Trick 6: Vyabhichari Bhava Count:
Always remember the exact number of transitory emotions (Vyabhichari / Sanchari Bhavas) is 33 (e.g., Nirveda, Glani, Shanka, Asuya, Mada, Shrama).
Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake 1: Confusing Sthayi Bhava with Vyabhichari Bhava:
Students often confuse Sthayi Bhava (permanent, lifelong latent emotion, 9 in total) with Vyabhichari Bhava (transitory, transient feelings that come and go, 33 in total).
- Mistake 2: Assuming Bharata Muni Recognized 9 Rasas:
Bharata Muni recognized only 8 Rasas in his Natyashastra. Shanta Rasa was added later by subsequent rhetoricians like Udbhata and Abhinavagupta.
- Mistake 3: Mixing up Commentators and Theories:
Never attribute Anumitivada to Bhatta Lollata; Shankuka propounded Anumitivada based on Nyaya, while Lollata propounded Utpattivada based on Mimamsa.
- Mistake 4: Confusing Alambana and Uddipana Vibhava:
Alambana is the principal subject/object supporting the emotion (e.g., Shakuntala for Dushyanta), whereas Uddipana consists of environmental stimulants (e.g., beautiful garden, spring breeze).
- Mistake 5: Misinterpreting 'Sadharanikarana':
Sadharanikarana (Generalization) is a key concept introduced by Bhatta Nayaka, not by Abhinavagupta, where the reader's personal ego dissolves during aesthetic experience.
- Mistake 6: Wrong Deity or Color Assignment:
Pay close attention to presiding deities (e.g., Yama for Karuna, Rudra for Raudra) and colors (e.g., Red for Raudra, White for Hasya) as direct matching questions appear in the UP exam.
Point-wise Detailed Summary
- Foundation:
Bharata Muni laid down the theory of Rasa in his monumental work Natyashastra.
- The Rasa Sutra:
Vibhavanubhava-vyabhichari-samyogad-rasa-nishpattih is the foundational formula for aesthetic realization.
- Permanent Emotions:
There are 9 Sthayi Bhavas corresponding to the Navarasa in classical Sanskrit poetics.
- Four Elements:
Rasa accomplishment relies on Sthayi Bhava, Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava.
- Transitory Feelings:
There are exactly 33 Vyabhichari (Sanchari) Bhavas that support and nourish the main Sthayi Bhava.
- Shanta Rasa Debate:
Shanta Rasa (Sthayi: Shama/Nirveda) was later added to make the total number of Rasas nine (Navarasa).
- Utpattivada:
Propounded by Bhatta Lollata, stating Rasa is produced in the historical character.
- Anumitivada:
Propounded by Shankuka, stating Rasa is inferred by the spectator through artificial representation.
- Bhuktivada:
Propounded by Bhatta Nayaka, emphasizing aesthetic enjoyment (Bhoga) and generalization (Sadharanikarana).
- Abhivyaktivada:
Propounded by Abhinavagupta, establishing that Rasa is manifested through suggestion (Vyanjana).
- Erotic Rasa:
Shringara is regarded as Rasaraja (King of Rasas) with Rati as its Sthayi Bhava.
- Pathos:
Karuna Rasa (Sthayi: Shoka) is masterfully depicted by Bhavabhuti in Uttararamacharitam.
UPSC Notes & InsightsUPSC नोट्स और अंतर्दृष्टि
Memorize the exact pairing of all 9 Rasas with their Sthayi Bhavas, presiding deities, and colors, as matching-type questions are extremely common in the UP Assistant Teacher (Sanskrit) examination.
When analyzing a Sanskrit verse in an unseen passage, look for words denoting physical reactions (Anubhava) like 'ashru' (tears), 'pulaka' (thrill), or 'kampa' (trembling) to instantly identify Karuna or Bhayanaka Rasa.
Do not confuse Bharata Muni's original count of 8 Rasas with the later accepted Navarasa system which includes Shanta Rasa. Read question statements carefully regarding Bharata Muni's specific viewpoint.
Students often mix up the philosophical schools associated with the Rasa commentators. Remember: Lollata = Mimamsa, Shankuka = Nyaya, Nayaka = Sankhya-Vedanta, Abhinavagupta = Advaita Vedanta/Shaiva.
Key Takeawaysमुख्य बातें
- Bharata Muni is the father of Indian poetics and author of Natyashastra.
- The Rasa Sutra explains Rasa Nishpatti through Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava.
- There are 9 Sthayi Bhavas and 9 Rasas in classical Sanskrit literature (Navarasa).
- There are 33 transitory emotions known as Vyabhichari or Sanchari Bhavas.
- Abhinavagupta's Abhivyaktivada (Theory of Manifestation) is the widely accepted Siddhanta.
- Shringara is known as Rasaraja (King of Rasas) with Rati as its permanent emotion.