An Analysis of the Psychological Dimensions of Śṛṅgāra in Kālidāsa's Abhijñānaśākuntalam

This research explores the psychological dimensions of Śṛṅgāra rasa (the aesthetic emotion of love) in Kālidāsa’s Sanskrit masterpiece, Abhijñānaśākuntalam. Grounded in Bharata Muni’s Nāṭyaśāstra, the study examines the interplay of vibhāva, anubhāva, and vyabhicāribhāvas through the two primary dimensions of love: Saṃbhoga (love in union) and Vipralambha (love in separation). Saṃbhoga-śṛṅgāra is illustrated through King Duṣyanta and Śakuntalā's mutual attraction and initial emotional awakening in the forest. Conversely, Vipralambha-śṛṅgāra is depicted through the intense psychological suffering, remorse, and longing that follow Sage Durvāsas's curse and Duṣyanta's subsequent memory loss. By analyzing key verses, the paper demonstrates how Kālidāsa masterfully weaves aesthetics and psychology together, presenting love as a complex, transformative journey of attraction, separation, remembrance, and ultimate reunion.