anū bhāva

 Anubhāva refers to the external manifestation or physical expressions of inner emotions (bhāva), which allow the audience or observer to perceive and experience the resultant sentiment, or rasa.

Definition and Etymology

Anubhāva (अनुभाव) literally translates as “consequent” or “that which

is felt afterward.” It is derived from anu (following, consequent) + bhāva

(feeling, emotion), signifying the outward or perceptible expression 

of an inner emotional state

Wisdom Library+1

 . While bhāva is the

internal emotion or mental state experienced by the performer, anubhāva

is the visible manifestation of that emotion through gestures, facial 

expressions, bodily movements, vocal tones, 

and other actions

Kalyani Kala Mandir+1

 .

Role in Classical Drama and Dance

In the Nāṭyaśāstra, anubhāva is one of the essential components 

in the creation of rasa, the aesthetic sentiment experienced by the 

audience. The process is described as a combination of:

• Vibhāva (determinant or stimulus): the cause or situation evoking
• the emotion.
• Sthāyi-bhāva (dominant emotion): the enduring internal emotion.
• Vyabhicārī-bhāva (transient or auxiliary emotions): temporary 
• emotions that enrich the main bhāva.
• Anubhāva (consequence): the external signs demonstrating 
• the underlying bhāva 

  2

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

For example, in the depiction of love (Rati) as a sthāyi-bhāva, anubhāvas 

can include sidelong glances, smiles, gestures, dancing, sighing,

and other bodily expressions that make the internal feeling perceivable

to an observer 

Wisdom Library+1

. Similarly, fear may be expressed 

through trembling, palpitations, widened eyes, or fainting 

Wisdom Library

.

Anubhāva in Devotional Context

In Vaishnava and bhakti traditions, anubhāva reflects the physical 

expression of spiritual emotions. For instance, when a devotee experiences

deep love or ecstasy for Kṛṣṇa, external expressions such as tears,

trembling, dancing, or vocal exclamations are considered anubhāvas. 

These outward signs support the internal bhāva, helping both 

practitioner and observer recognize the intensity of devotion 

vanipedia.org+2

.

Classification and Examples

Anubhāvas are diverse and include actions such as:

• Movements and gestures: dancing, rolling on the ground, stretching.
• Vocal expressions: singing, crying, yawning, sighing.
• Physiological responses: pallor, perspiration, tears, fainting.
• Behavioral reactions: neglecting others, loud laughter, staggering 

  2

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

They are distinct from sattvika-bhāvas, which are involuntary physiological 

reactions directly produced by intense emotion, though both work together

to manifest the full emotional experience 

Wikipedia

.

Summary

Anubhāva is the essential bridge between internal emotion and audience 

experience. It allows the inner bhāva to be externally communicated, thus

enabling the realization of rasa in drama, dance, and devotional practices. 

Mastery of anubhāva ensures that emotions are felt authentically and 

tangibly, making performances immersive or spiritual experiences

tangible to an audience 

Kalyani Kala Mandir+2

.