Erotic, Eroticism: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Erotic means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Gitashastra (science of music)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (gita)

The Erotic Sentiment (in Sanskrit: śṛṅgāra-rasa) refers to one of the nine kinds of Sentiment (rasa) in Indian classical Music. They have an inherent relationship with the svaras (“musical notes”).—There are nine kinds of sentiments: [e.g., Erotic (śṛṅgāra)]. In the Nāṭyaśāstra some particular svaras are determined for the delineation of some specific sentiments. In the Nāṭyaśāstra it is accepted that—the notes madhyama and pañcama are used to delineate the sentiments of hāsya and śṛṅgāra.

context information

Gitashastra (गीतशास्त्र, gītaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of Music (gita or samgita), which is traditionally divided in Vocal music, Instrumental music and Dance (under the jurisdiction of music). The different elements and technical terms are explained in a wide range of (often Sanskrit) literature.

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Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

1) The Erotic Sentiment (in Indian dramas) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Śṛṅgāra-rasa which represents one of the nine kinds of Rasa (“soul of Drama”), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—Rasa or Sentiment is a very important component in poetry. The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa accepts nine rasas or “sentiments in Drama”. Śṛṇgāra or the sentiment of love is very important in kāvya specially in dramas. Because, Sanskrit poetics advices to portray either śṛṇgāra or vīra as the predominant sentiment in a Sanskrit drama. It is the sentiment of love and desire where the manifestation of the activities of Kāmadeva i.e the god of love can be noticed.

2) The Erotic Emotion is denoted by Rati, which represents the sthāyībhāva (permanent feeling) of śṛṇgāra.

Natyashastra book cover
context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

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Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

The Erotic (sentiment) refers to one of the Nine Sentiments (citrarasa) in ancient Indian Painting (citra), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—Painting is a medium of showing the inner feelings and emotions of a painter which can strikes the inherent sentiments of connoisseur’s mind [e.g., the erotic sentiment (śṛṅgāra)]. [...] The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa says that in a Painting the charming dress and ornaments with splendor and luster, expresses the erotic sentiment. [...] The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa gives emphasis on charming and beautiful attire and ornaments in the projection of a picture of erotic sentiment which obviously points the outer appearance of a character.

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

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