Darshan Of Special Murti Of Goddess Annapurna In Varanasi Only On Dhanteras And Annakut Day In A Year

Annapurna Temple in Varanasi is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna Devi. There is a unique murti of Goddess Annapurna in the Temple. Devotees can have darshan of it only on Dhanteras and Annakut day. Annakut is observed on Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada or the first day during waxing phase of moon in Kartik Month. In 2020, the temple is open from November 12 to November 15. Annakut is on November 15. This is the Annakut day, which falls the day after Diwali.

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.