Navarasa
The Nine Emotions Portrayed in Bharatanatyam
Nava means nine and Rasa means mood, emotion, expression or sentiment. There are nine main emotions that are portrayed by the dancer in Bharatanatyam. Each of these nine emotions is the resultant of each Bhava, the gestures and facial expressions of the actors. Natyasasthra identifies each Rasa with the corresponding Bhava or mood. The Natyasastra vividly describe these bhavas to create each rasa
Shringaara-Love Haasya-Laughter
Adbhuta-Wonder
Karuna-Compassion
Raudra-Anger
Bheebatsya-Disgust Shanta-Peace
Veera-Bravery
Bhayanaka-Fear