Introduction
The Maa Annapurna Temple is located in Varanasi, near the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Vishwanath Gali. Maa Annapurna, a form of Goddess Parvati, is worshipped as the goddess of food and nourishment—“Anna” meaning food and “Purna” meaning complete.
The temple is known for its golden idol of the goddess, which is revealed on special occasions. During Annakut, celebrated after Diwali, the temple attracts a large number of devotees who come to seek her blessings.
History & Significance
According to a well-known legend, Lord Shiva once described the world as Maya (illusion), even calling food a part of it. This deeply upset Goddess Parvati, who is the provider of nourishment. To show the true importance of food, she made it disappear from the world. Soon, the earth became barren and people began to suffer from hunger.
Seeing this suffering, she appeared in Varanasi in the form of Maa Annapurna and started a divine kitchen. When Lord Shiva himself came seeking food, he realised that the material world—especially food—cannot be dismissed as mere illusion. Maa Annapurna then fed him with her own hands, symbolising that nourishment is sacred and essential to life.
Another belief connects Maa Annapurna with the practice of Anna Daan (donation of food). It is said that by feeding others in Kashi, Maa Parvati regained her divine form, reinforcing the idea that sharing food is one of the highest forms of devotion.
In Kashi, Maa Annapurna is lovingly regarded as the queen, while Lord Shiva is seen as the king. Even today, this tradition continues at the temple near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where food is offered daily to devotees as prasad, especially to those in need.
This belief carries a simple but powerful message—no one should go hungry. The tradition of offering food at the temple reflects the deeper value of compassion and sharing, which remains highly relevant even today.
Location Details
Shri Annapurna Temple
D-38/2, Shankar Gali,
Adampur, Varanasi
Located close to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the temple is one of the key religious spots in the city. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, or even on foot from nearby areas.
How to Reach Shri Annapurna Temple
By Train
The nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction Railway Station, located around 2–3 km from the temple. From there, you can easily find auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach the nearby area.
By Air
The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, about 25 km away. Taxis and cabs are readily available for a direct ride into the city.
By Road
Since the temple is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the old city, you can reach it by auto-rickshaw up to a point, followed by a short walk through the narrow lanes.
Timings
The Shri Annapurna Temple in Varanasi remains open daily for devotees who come to seek the blessings of Maa Annapurna.
- Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
On special occasions like Navratri, Maha Shivratri, and Diwali, the temple may stay open longer due to additional rituals and higher footfall.
If you prefer a more peaceful darshan, early morning or late evening is usually a better time to visit.
Rituals
At the Shri Annapurna Temple in Varanasi, rituals are closely connected to the idea of nourishment and sharing.
Food Offerings
Devotees offer prasad in the form of food to Goddess Annapurna as a mark of gratitude. A key tradition here is Anna Daan (donating food), where meals are distributed to the needy, reflecting the goddess’s role as the provider of sustenance.
Poojas and Aartis
Daily rituals are performed to seek blessings for abundance and well-being. The morning aarti and evening aarti are especially important, drawing devotees who wish to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
Nearby Attractions
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located just a short walk from the Annapurna Temple. Most devotees visit both temples together.
Manikarnika Ghat
A spiritually significant ghat known for its cremation rituals. It represents the belief in liberation (moksha) and the continuous cycle of life and death.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of the most vibrant ghats in Varanasi, famous for the daily Ganga Aarti held on the banks of the river Ganges.
Spiritual Significance of Shri Annapurna Temple
Goddess Annapurna is worshipped as the divine provider who nourishes the entire world. In Varanasi, her temple represents the idea that both food and life itself are sacred blessings.
Devotees believe that Maa Annapurna not only fulfills basic needs like food but also brings stability, prosperity, and inner satisfaction. This is why many people visit the temple to seek blessings for health, abundance, and overall well-being—trusting that she nourishes both the body and the soul.
FAQs
1. Where is Maa Annapurna Temple located in Varanasi?
Maa Annapurna Temple is located in Vishwanath Gali, near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
2. What are the darshan timings of Annapurna Temple?
The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day, with a break in the afternoon.
3. What is the significance of Maa Annapurna?
Maa Annapurna is worshipped as the goddess of food and nourishment. Devotees believe she blesses them with abundance, prosperity, and ensures no one goes hungry.
4. What is special about the Annapurna Temple in Varanasi?
The temple is known for its connection with Lord Shiva and the tradition of Anna Daan (food donation). It also houses a golden idol of the goddess, shown on special occasions like Annakut.
5. What are the best times to visit Annapurna Temple?
Early morning and late evening are considered the best times for a peaceful darshan, especially to avoid crowds during peak hours and festivals.
