Book excerpt: The art form known as Odissi is the descendent of the temple dance that evolved in the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This book offers a chronological survey of the form and style of this dance. It gives readers an outline of the architects and contemporary gurus of the dance. 'Odissi - The Dance Divine' is a chronological survey of the form and style of the dance. The art form today known as Odissi is the descendent of the temple dance that evolved in the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Revered as one of the holiest placesm the temple was the centre of culture, religion and