Kashi Annapurna Temple

Kashi Annapurna Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the city of Varanasi, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Annapurna, who is revered as a deity of nourishment and fertility. The current structure of the Annapurna Mandir was constructed in the 18th century by Maratha Peshwa Bajirao.

The temple is built in Nagara architecture and has a sanctum with a large pillared porch. Inside the porch is a statue of the goddess Annapurna. The temple also has two statue of the goddess; one made of gold and one of brass. The brass icon can be seen every day for darshan (viewing & worship). The gold icon can only be seen once a year on Annakut day.

What is belief of Annapurna Temple of Kashi/Varanasi/Banaras ?

There are two popular beliefs in Hindu mythology about the origin of this temple. According to one belief, the goddess Parvati once closed all three eyes of her husband Shiva. This caused the entire world to become filled with darkness. Parvati then took on her Gauri form and asked Shiva for help in reacquiring her original form. Shiva told her to donate food in Varanasi. Consequently, she took the form of Annapurna (the goddess of food) with a golden pot and ladle and donated food in Varanasi.

According to another belief, once Shiva commented that the entire world (including food) is maya (illusion). Parvati, the goddess of food, got angry and decided to demonstrate the importance of food by making all the food on earth disappear. The world started to suffer due to hunger. Shiva finally came to Parvati and acknowledged the importance of food, begging for food at her door. Parvati became happy, offered food by her own hands to Shiva and then made a kitchen in Varanasi for her devotees.

How to visit Annapurna Temple in Kashi/Banaras/Varanasi?

The Annapurna Devi Mandir is located in Kashi. It is situated 15 meters North-West of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, 5 kilometers from Varanasi Junction railway.

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