Darshan Of Special Murti Of Goddess Annapurna In Varanasi Only On Dhanteras And Annakut Day In A Year
The belief is that whoever opens the door of the temple other than on Annakut day will die. The temple doors are kept open only for three days in a year starting from Dhanteras day.
The temple houses murtis of Goddess Annapurna, Vishwanath, Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. A unique aspect of the Annapurna and Shiva murti is that Shiva is depicted as receiving alms from the Goddess.
On the Annakut day, 56 types of food are offered to the deities including fruits, sweets, boiled rice and pulses. This is later distributed as Prasad. The food is placed in front of the deities in such a way that it forms a mountain.
Devotees observe a complete fast on Annakut day and do not sleep at night.
Please note that Annakut festival is most popular in Dwaraka and Sri Krishna Temples and is dedicated to Sri Krishna. In Kashi it is observed differently and is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna.