The Odissi dance form originated primarily in and around which temple?

Jagannath Temple, Puri
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
MukteswarTemple, Bhubaneswar
Sun Temple, Konark

The correct answer is: a) Jagannath Temple, Puri.

Odissi is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India. The dance is characterized by its intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and expressive facial expressions. Odissi is traditionally performed by women, but there are also male Odissi dancers.

The Odissi dance form is believed to have originated in the temples of Odisha. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most important temples in Odisha and is believed to be the birthplace of Odissi dance. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Jagannath, and the dance form is often performed in the temple as a form of worship.

The Odissi dance form is also associated with the goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and learning. The dance form is often performed as a way to invoke the blessings of these goddesses.

Odissi dance is a beautiful and graceful art form that is rich in history and tradition. It is a form of dance that is both spiritual and artistic, and it is a source of great pride for the people of Odisha.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • b) Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It is one of the most important temples in Odisha and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the Odissi dance form originated in or around the Lingaraj Temple.
  • c) MukteswarTemple, Bhubaneswar is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is one of the oldest temples in Odisha and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the Odissi dance form originated in or around the Mukteswar Temple.
  • d) Sun Temple, Konark is a Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. It is one of the most famous temples in Odisha and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the Odissi dance form originated in or around the Sun Temple.