The concept of Navarasa, meaning “nine emotions” or “nine essences” is a foundational pillar in Indian aesthetics. Rooted in Bharata’s Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on performing arts, the Navarasa framework originally guided classical dance, drama, and literature. However, its influence extends far beyond the stage, deeply informing the world of visual art and painting. In these static yet expressive forms, the rasas serve as emotional lenses through which artists communicate with viewers, creating not just visual impact, but emotional resonance.

Understanding Navarasas in the context of painting allows us to appreciate the layered depth that traditional and contemporary Indian art can convey. Let’s explore each of the nine rasas and how they translate into the visual language of art:

1. Shringara (Beauty / Attractiveness)
Mood: Romance, beauty, devotion
Color: Light Green
Associated deity: Vishnu
In art, S?ngara is represented through sensuous imagery, graceful postures, romantic encounters, or divine love stories such as Radha and Krishna. Artists use soft lines, delicate ornamentation, and lush natural settings to evoke charm and allure.

2. Hasya (Laughter / Joy)
Mood: Humor, mirth, fun
Color: White
Associated deity: Pramatha (Shiva’s attendants)
Hasya is about joy and levity. In painting, this rasa may appear in playful facial expressions, whimsical scenes, or caricatures. Folk art traditions like Madhubani or Pattachitra often include humorous or lively elements that celebrate everyday joy.

3. Karuna (Compassion / Sorrow)
Mood: Pathos, empathy, melancholy
Color: Grey
Associated deity: Yama
This rasa reflects human suffering, loss, or compassion. Painters express Karu?a through scenes of tragedy, sacrifice, or piety. Muted colors, downcast eyes, and expressive body language communicate emotional depth and evoke sympathy.

4. Raudra (Anger)
Mood: Fury, outrage, destruction
Color: Red
Associated deity: Rudra (a fierce form of Shiva)
Raudra appears in dramatic depictions of war, mythical rage, or divine wrath. Bold lines, intense expressions, and fiery color palettes bring a sense of tension and power. Ancient murals or depictions of goddesses like Kali often illustrate this rasa.

5. Veera (Heroism / Courage)
Mood: Bravery, determination, valor
Color: Orange
Associated deity: Indra
Paintings that evoke Vira feature warriors, deities, or historical heroes in action often mid-battle or in defiant poses. Strong compositions, upright stances, and dynamic movement visually celebrate human strength and noble effort.

6. Bhayanaka (Fear / Terror)
Mood: Horror, anxiety, dread
Color: Black
Associated deity: Kala (Time/Death)
This rasa is less common in traditional painting but appears in depictions of demons, haunted landscapes, or dark myths. Use of shadow, dramatic contrast, and distorted forms generate unease or suspense.

7. Bibhatsa (Disgust / Aversion)
Mood: Repulsion, revulsion
Color: Blue
Associated deity: Shiva
Bibhatsa can be seen in images dealing with death, decay, or moral corruption. It's challenging to render in visual form, but abstract art or certain Tantric paintings explore this rasa through jagged shapes or jarring color schemes.

8. Adbhuta (Wonder / Amazement)
Mood: Awe, curiosity, amazement
Color: Yellow
Associated deity: Brahma
This rasa appears in cosmic depictions, mythical visions, or scenes of divine creation. Artists achieve Adbhuta through surreal imagery, celestial elements, or golden luminosity that stirs a sense of the sublime.

9. Shanta (Peace / Tranquility)
Mood: Serenity, contemplation
Color: White or Pale Blue
Associated deity: Vishnu
Santa is the rasa of spiritual calm. In painting, it is conveyed through meditative figures, harmonious compositions, and subtle color palettes. Buddhist thangkas, Jain manuscripts, and many Pahari paintings evoke Santa through visual stillness.

Navarasa in Contemporary and Abstract Art
While Navarasa originates in classical Indian art forms, its framework is increasingly adopted by contemporary Indian artists and abstract painters. Modern works often explore these emotions not through narrative imagery, but through form, color, and texture. For instance, a minimalist painting might use red blocks to symbolize Raudra, or flowing blue patterns to evoke Santa.

Conclusion
The Navarasa framework continues to shape Indian aesthetics across genres and generations. In painting, these nine emotional essences offer more than just thematic variety; they serve as gateways into the human experience. Whether in temple murals, courtly miniatures, or modern canvases, the rasas allow art to transcend time, culture, and language; connecting viewer and artist through the shared language of emotion.