The Navrasas or the nine moods
Bharata Muni enunciated the eight Rasas in the Natyasastra. Ninth rasa was added by later authors. The navarasas, or nine emotions, give all dance a completeness that allows the dancer and the audience to experience.
A shloka describing the nine Rasas:
Shringãram kshithinandiniiviharane viiram dhanurbhanjane
Kãrunyam hanumantham adbhutharasam sindhau girisdhãpane
Hãsyam shuurppanakhãmukhe bhayamakhe biibhatsamanyãmukhe
Raudram rãvanamarddane munijane sãntham param pãthunah
Meaning:
" He whose body is in the sentiment of Shringara as he moves with Sita;
In Vira, as he breaks the mighty bow;
In Karuna, as he protects the crow;
In Adhbuta, as he looks at the bridge of stones across the ocean;
In Hasya, as he watches Surpanakha;
In Bhayanaka and Bibhatsa, as he gazes upon others, except Sita;
In Raudra, as he kills Ravana;
In Shanta as he sees the Sages;
May, He, Lord Rama, protect us ! "
Each rasa, according to Natyasastra, has a specific colour.
Sringara : Love, attractiveness. Colour: light green
Hasyam : Laughter, mirth, comedy. Colour: white
Karuna : Compassion, mercy. Colour: grey
Raudra: Fury. Presiding Colour: red
Veera : Heroic mood. Colour: yellowish
Bhayanaka : Horror, terror. Colour: black
Beebastha : Disgust, aversion. Colour: blue
Adbhuta : Wonder, amazement. Presiding Colour: yellow
Shantha : Peace or tranquility. Colour: perpetual white
