Goddess Devi Annapoorana Mata Antique Sculpture

Goddess Annapurneshwari is the presiding deity of Banaras (Varanasi). She is the Divine Mother who provides food to all. It is believed that the Goddess of Varanasi even fed the children of King Harishchandra. There are many Annapurna temples across India, and in Karnataka especially, free meals are served daily at almost every major religious place.

Kashi Annapurna Temple

Kashi is considered the most sacred and precious place on earth and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has existed continuously since ancient times and is regarded as the source of many forms of life. People from across India and abroad visit Kashi specifically to seek the blessings of Lord Vishwanath and Goddess Annapurna.

According to legend, Goddess Parvati could not bear to see her children suffering from hunger, so she manifested in Kashi (Varanasi) and began distributing food. Lord Shiva appeared before her as a beggar, and Goddess Parvati offered him food. Shiva then declared that food cannot be dismissed as mere illusion, as it is essential for nourishing the body in which the soul resides.

From that moment onward, Goddess Parvati came to be worshipped as Goddess Annapurna. Goddess Annapurna is considered the sustainer of prosperity. In Sanskrit, the word “Anna” means food or grain, and “Purna” means complete or full. It is believed that worshipping her ensures that one never suffers from a shortage of food in life.

Mata Shri Annapurneshwari Devi is worshipped on the fourth day of Durga Navratri. She is a form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

ओम अन्नपूर्णायै नमः!ओम सदापूर्णायै नमः ओम ह्रीं नमो भगवते महेश्वरी अन्नपूर्णे स्वाहा ओम ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं नमो भगवते महेश्वरी अन्नपूर्णे स्वाहा