CALLING ALL WRITERS! NAVARASAS SERIES Back on Track! Update Pg 1 - Page 27

Bharata Muni enunciated the eight Rasas in the Ntyasstra, an ancient work of dramatic theory, written during the period between 200 BC and 200 AD. Each rasa, according to Ntyasstra, has a presiding deity and a specific colour. There are 4 pairs of rasas. For instance, Hasya arises out of Sringara. The Aura of a frightened person is black, and the aura of an angry person is red. Bharata Muni established the following.^[1]

• ngram () Love, Attractiveness. Presiding deity: Vishnu. Colour: light green.
• Hsyam () Laughter, Mirth, Comedy. Presiding deity: Pramata. Colour: white.
• Raudram () Fury. Presiding deity: Rudra. Colour: red.
• Kruyam () Compassion, Tragedy. Presiding deity: Yama. Colour: grey.
• Bbhatsam () Disgust, Aversion. Presiding deity: Shiva. Colour: blue
• Bhaynakam () Horror, Terror. Presiding deity: Kala. Colour: black
• Vram () Heroic mood. Presiding deity: Indra. Colour: golden
• Adbhutam () Wonder, Amazement. Presiding deity: Brahma. Colour: yellow

Navarasa[edit]

Abhinavagupta suggested a ninth rasa when only eight were accepted and it had to undergo a good deal of struggle between the sixth and the tenth centuries, before it could be accepted by the majority of the Alankarikas, and the expression Navarasa(the nine rasas), could come into vogue.

• ntam Peace or tranquility. deity: Vishnu. Colour: white

In addition to the nine Rasas, two more appeared later (esp. in literature): Additional rasas:

• Vtsalya () Parental Love
• Bhakti () Spiritual Devotion

However, the presiding deities, the colours and the relationship between these additional rasas have not been specified.