A Dance That Breathes Through Time
Odissi is one of the oldest classical dances in the world, with origins tracing back to 2nd century BCE carvings in Odisha’s ancient caves. Mentioned in the Natya Shastra as Odar Magadha, this dance is a timeless link between body, soul, and divinity.
Born in the Temples of Jagannath
Rooted in the sacred rituals of Odisha’s temples, Odissi was once performed by the Maharis—devadasis who offered their dance in daily worship of Lord Jagannath. Their movements were offerings, their art, a form of prayer.
Kept Alive by the Gotipuas
When temple dance declined after the 17th century, it was the Gotipuas—young boys dressed as women—who carried the tradition forward. Performing in villages and streets, they preserved the essence of Odissi in public memory.
The Revival: A Renaissance of Spirit
In the 1950s, a group of legendary Gurus brought Odissi back from near extinction. Led by Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das, along with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Deb Prasad Das, and Guru Mayadhar Raut, they reconstructed the dance through research, devotion, and imagination—reviving a divine legacy.
Sculpture in Motion
A Sacred Art, A Spiritual Path
More than performance, Odissi is a practice of devotion. It aligns body, breath, and consciousness—offering deep healing and connection to the divine. It’s where yoga meets rhythm, and prayer becomes movement.