The Kashi Annapurna Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is a hugely popular destination amongst visitors. This sacred temple honors the revered Goddess Annapurna, who takes form as Parvati – Shiva’s beloved wife. Popularly known as ‘Annapurna Mata’ or simply ‘Annapurna’, this holy site stands out amongst all temples within the city of Kashi for its spiritual significance and grandeur.
Annapurna Temple Kashi is one of the most revered Hindu temples, as it pays tribute to Goddess Annapurna. Conveniently situated in Visheshwarganj, Varanasi at a mere 15 meters north-west from the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and 350 meters west of Manikarnika Ghat, this temple holds immense spiritual importance for many devotees around India.
Once, Lord Shiva explained to Goddess Parvati that the entire world is an illusion and food was merely a portion of it known as ‘Maya’. Infuriated by this statement, Mata Parvati decided to exhibit her powers in order to demonstrate the importance of all materials. Thus, She made everything vanish from the earth without warning. As soon as food disappeared from our planet, it quickly became infertile and every creature suffered greatly from extreme hunger.
After reappearing in the world and observing His devotees’ malnutrition, She decided to open a kitchen in Varanasi. When Lord Shiva noticed this action He declared that true material cannot be viewed as an illusion. The news brought great joy to Mata Parvati who then offered food with her own hands – marking the beginning of Her being revered as Annapurna, Goddess of Food.
Another myth surrounding the Annapurna is that when Maa Parvathi closed all of Lord Shiva’s eyes (Sun, Moon and Fire) darkness enveloped the world. It was a time of ‘Pralaya’ and as such Maa Parvati lost her Gauri Rupa which left her sorrowful. In an effort to regain it she asked Lord Shiva what steps should be taken and He replied by saying She should make Anna Dan in Kashi. Mata Parvati took Her Annapurna Rupa with a golden pot and ladle and made Anna Dan in Varanasi. Again She got Her Gauri Rupa. It is considered that Her devotees do Annapurna Pooja by making Anna Dan in Kashi.
Global devotees of Maa Parvati revere Her by various names. For example, the Annapurna Shatanama Stotram chants 108 different names for this Goddess, and The Annapurna Sahasranam extols one thousand appellations to honor the Annapurna Devi.
She is said to not eat until all of Her devotees have been fed in the temple. The Annapurna Vrat Katha contains several stories that assist devotees through their difficulties. Located next to the Kashi Viswanath Temple, Varanasi’s Annapurna Mata Temple is thought of as Kashi’s queen with Lord Shiva as its king. Each day at noon time, Prasad – or a blessed offering – is provided for those who are elderly, disabled and other visitors alike.
The Annapurna Devi Mandir, designed in the Nagara style of architecture, features two striking idols of Goddess Annapurna Devi – an idol made from gold and another crafted with brass. While visitors can marvel at the grandeur of both statues all year round, it is only during the annual festival “Annakut” that devotees are permitted to seek blessings from their golden manifestation. This day falls after Diwali each year and grants worshippers a lavish gift of coins afterwards; fulfilling those who pay tribute to these tokens will be blessed by Annapurna Mata for success throughout life!
Winter time is the ideal season to visit Varanasi that is from the month of November to February. Winter is the best time to visit the holy city as you can move around without getting too cold, despite the fact that it can get quite cold.
By Air
The nearest airport from this temple is Varanasi Airport or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport which is located at a distance of 18 km from Kashi. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Varanasi City Station which is located at a distance of 6 km from this temple. Regular trains are available from Kolkata, Howrah, Sealdah. There are taxis, auto rickshaws that take you to the temple.
By Road
Easily travel from Kolkata/Howrah to Varanasi by state-owned or commercial buses. Upon reaching the destination, you can use an auto rickshaw or taxi to get you to Kashi Annapurna Temple swiftly and conveniently. What’s more, this temple is also accessible through other cities of India via well-connected roads if you wish to ride your own vehicle!
