Shree Annapurna Temple

Shree Annapurna Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Annapurna, who is considered the goddess of food and nourishment in Hinduism. The temple is located in the city of Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Benares), in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India and is renowned for its spiritual and religious significance.

Her name, “Annapurna,” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Anna” (food) and “Purna” (full or complete). She symbolizes the importance of food and sustenance in human life.

History of the Shree Annapurna Temple

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One day, the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, visited Varanasi. They assumed the form of an elderly Brahmin couple and came to the hermitage of Sage Shiva. Sage Shiva welcomed the couple and offered them food with utmost humility. However, he noticed that the Brahmin couple did not eat a morsel of the food he had prepared. Curious and concerned, Sage Shiva inquired about their reluctance to eat. The Brahmin couple revealed their true identities as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They explained that they had come to Varanasi to test the devotion and generosity of the people in the city.

Goddess Parvati, in the form of a Brahmin woman, then told Sage Shiva that his devotion to Lord Shiva was praiseworthy but incomplete. She pointed out that while he had dedicated his life to worshipping Lord Shiva, he had neglected the act of providing food to the hungry and needy. Realizing the importance of her words, Sage Shiva felt ashamed and vowed to rectify his oversight. He promised to serve food to all living beings, and he requested Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to bless Varanasi as the place where no one would go hungry.

In response to his devotion and commitment, Goddess Parvati revealed her true form as Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment. She explained that her divine presence would ensure that no one in Varanasi would ever suffer from hunger. Over time, a temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna was built in Varanasi, which came to be known as Shree Annapurna Temple. The temple serves as a place of worship and a symbol of the goddess’s benevolence, ensuring that the people of Varanasi and devotees who visit the city always have access to food and sustenance.

This story underscores the importance of providing for the hungry and needy, as well as the significance of Goddess Annapurna in ensuring the well-being of the people of Varanasi. Shree Annapurna Temple continues to be a place where devotees seek blessings for abundance, nourishment, and prosperity.

Shree Annapurna Temple Basic Details

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Charitable Activities: Like many Hindu temples, Shree Annapurna Temple is often involved in charitable activities, including the distribution of food to the needy and support for local communities. This underscores the temple’s commitment to alleviating hunger and providing for the less fortunate.

Annakut Festival: Annakut, also known as Govardhan Puja, is a major festival celebrated in the temple. It usually falls on the day after Diwali and involves the preparation of a large feast made up of a variety of vegetarian dishes. The food is offered to Goddess Annapurna and is then distributed as prasad (blessed food) to devotees.

Pooja Timing: The place of worship is open from 04:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Aarties are conducted early morning 12:00 noon & 08:30 & 10:00 p.m. There is also Annadanam daily at the temple premises in the afternoon where devotees can get free food.

How to Reach: Shree Annapurna Temple is very near to Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple. it is easily accessible by road from various parts of Varanasi by auto-rickshaw, walking, or cabs.

Nearby Places and Distance from Shree Annapurna Temple

• 500 Meters from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• 400 Meters from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• 4.3 km from Varanasi Junction Railway station.
• 25.6 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

Contact Information