Dedicated to Ma Annapurna – one who blesses with food and
prosperity –, Annapurna Devi Temple
is located in the Vishwanath lane, adjacent to Kashi
Vishwanath Temple ,
in Varanasi .
Legend has it that Shiva asked Goddess Parvati to appear as Goddess Annapurna
and reside in Kashi. She is the goddess who nourishes and feeds all living
beings.
The original temple was built in 1725 AD by Vajirao Peshwa.
The murti worshipped in the temple was reestablished by the Shankaracharya of
Sringeri Mutt in 1977 AD.
The temple is managed by the Dashnami Shaiva Paramahansa
Sannyasis and is controlled by the Annapurna Mutt.
The main murti worshipped in the temple is west facing and
is made of stone. The face and crown is made of silver. In the main sanctum
sanctorum there are images of Ganesha, Sri Krishna, Sheshnag and Goddess
Parvati.
Shri Yantra is found in front of the main shrine.
There are small temples dedicated to Yantreshwar Mahadev,
Kuber, Surya, Ganesha, Satyanarayan and Hanuman in the ochre painted temple.
The temple is also noted for its ornate main gate. The walls
and pillars of temples are adorned with flower motifs and images of various
Hindu gods and goddesses.
Special Darshan on
Dhanteras and Annakut
Special murtis of Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Lakshmi and
Goddess Bhumi Devi (Bhumi Mata) are open to darshan only on Dhanteras day – two
days before Diwali. Coins are distributed on the day from the treasury of the
temple. Possessing coin is considered as blessing.
Thousands of devotees also arrive on Annakut day to have special
darshan of Goddess Annapurna. Annakut is observed the day after Diwali. 56 different types of food are offered to the deity on the day.
Another important ritual is observed on Dhan Chhath. The
farmers bring paddy crop for decoration of the Goddess. Thousands arrive to
witness this unique Shringar of Annapurna. It is observed on Margashirsh Sashti
Tithi. A 17 day special Shringar of Maa is observed during the period.