Significance of Madhurarasa
Madhurarasa is a term used in Vaishnavism that refers to the sweet and loving sentiments encompassing divine relationships, especially those involving Krishna. It denotes a specific emotional flavor characterized by sweetness and romantic love, highlighting the intimate connections between Krishna and his devotees, like Radha. Madhurarasa exemplifies how conflicting emotions, such as blissful jealousy, can coexist harmoniously within relationships. This sentiment embodies the essence of affection and deep emotional bonds, making it central to the devotional experience in this tradition.
Synonyms: Sweetness, Sweet flavor
In Dutch: Madhurarasa; In German: Madhurarasa; In Finnish: Madhurarasa; In Spanish: Madhurarasa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Madhurarasa'
Madhurarasa in Hinduism represents an exalted form of divine love characterized by sweetness and intimacy, particularly in the relationships between Krishna and his devotees, encompassing romantic sentiments and emotional flavors that celebrate love and affection.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The sweet emotional flavor or aesthetic experience, typically associated with romantic love.[1] (2) A rasa that expresses sweetness and romantic love, particularly in relation to Krishna.[2] (3) A term indicating a sweet or affectionate flavor, often in a devotional context.[3] (4) A specific flavor or emotion that relates to sweetness, often associated with Krishna and divine love.[4] (5) A sweet emotional flavor that is favorable for enhancing humor.[5]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A specific type of devotional love that is characterized by sweetness and intimate affection towards the divine.[6] (2) The sweet, romantic mood often associated with divine relationships, which the five types of Krishna devotees do not impose on Shri Gaurasundara.[7] (3) The topmost relationship or sentiment in devotional context, characterized as conjugal love, particularly associated with the gopis and Krishna.[8] (4) Madhura-rasa refers to a particular type of divine love or relationship practiced in the Vallabha-sampradaya, which allows for a deeper connection with the Supreme Lord.[9] (5) A type of rasa that denotes a more intimate and loving relationship with the divine, often associated with romantic or amorous moods.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A type of relational mellow characterized by love and intimacy, often linked to the pastimes of Shri Krishna.[11] (2) A type of emotional sentiment reflecting the sweetness of love, exemplified by feelings of blissful jealousy.[12] (3) The sweet nectar-like essence that encapsulates the devotional sweetness in the storytelling.[13]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The sweet and intimate love that characterizes the relationships between Krishna and his devotees.[14]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The highest form of mellow quality characterized by amorous love between the devotee and the Supreme Soul.[15]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) The sweet taste, which is noted for having the highest number of combinations with the other Rasas.[16]
The concept of Madhurarasa in local and regional sources
Madhurarasa embodies the emotion of love centered on personal desires and adoration, prioritizing subjective experiences over objective attributes, thus enriching literature by emphasizing intimate emotional connections.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The emotion of love towards an object of adoration, lessening the emphasis on objective elements and highlighting personal cravings in literature.[17]