Shringar Ras (Erotic / Romantic Sentiment)
Permanent Emotion: Rati (Love / Romantic Attraction)शृंगार रस • रति (प्रेम)
Shringar Ras, known as Rasaraja (the King of Rasas), embodies the aesthetic experience of romantic love and mutual attraction between lovers. It arises from the permanent emotion of Rati (amorous affection) through scenes of union (Samyoga) or longing and separation (Viyoga / Vipralambha).
"बतरस लालच लाल की, मुरली धरी लुकाय। सौंह करैं, भौंहनु हँसै, दैन कहैं, नटि जाय॥"
In this couplet by Bihari, the Gopis hide Krishna’s flute out of greed to engage him in conversation. When he asks for it, they swear innocence yet smile mischievously with their eyebrows, refusing to return it. This playful banter evokes exquisite Samyoga Shringara (romantic union).