Annapurna Devi Mandir, Varanasi - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Annapurna Devi Mandir

At a distance of 5 Km from Varanasi Junction, Annapurna Devi Mandir is a popular Hindu temple situated near Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Vishwanath Galli area of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna Devi, the Goddess of Food or the Goddess of Nourishment. It is believed that Goddess Parvati gave Alms to Shiva, and she is depicted with a bowl in one hand and ladle in the other, serving food to Shiva, standing in front of her with his begging bowl in the hand. Mata Annapurna is the Goddess of Varanasi who always protects Kashi and feeding her devotees. Having great religious importance in Hinduism, it is one of the must-include places in the Varanasi pilgrimage packages.

History & Mythology of Annapurna Devi Mandir

Annapurna Devi Mandir was constructed by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao in 1729 AD. According to the legend, the entire world becomes dark when Mata Parvati closed all the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Due to this, Parvati lost her fair complexion (Gauri form), and asked Lord Shiva's help to reacquire her Gauri form. Shiva asked her to donate anna (food) in Varanasi. Hence, she took the form of Annapurna with a golden pot and ladle, and donated food in Varanasi.

According to another belief, once Mata Parvati got very angry when Lord Shiva told her that the entire world (including food) is maya. In order to demonstrate the importance of food, she disappeared all the food on earth and the entire world started to suffer due to hunger. Lord Shiva finally came to Mata Parvati and acknowledged the importance of food. Then, Mata Parvati became happy and offered food by her own hands to Lord Shiva and then made a kitchen in Varanasi for her devotees.

Architecture of Annapurna Devi Mandir

Annapurna Devi Mandir is constructed in Nagara style of architecture and has sanctum with large pillared porch. The sanctum of the temple houses two idols of Goddess Annapurna Devi; one made of gold and other of brass. The brass idol is available for daily darshan whereas darshan of the gold idol can only be done once a year on Annakut day. Annakut festival is celebrated every year after Diwali. On this occasion coins are distributed to all the devotees. It is considered that whoever will worship this coin, they will be blessed by Annapurna Mata for their successful and prosperous life.

Festivals of Annapurna Devi Mandir

The Annapurna Devi Mandir located in Varanasi hosts numerous festivals, with Annakut Mahotsav and Navratri standing out as especially significant. Annakut, which is observed the day following Diwali, is a major celebration during which devotees present a lavish feast to the goddess and share food with those in need. Navratri, occurring in October or November, also attracts large gatherings, as the temple is adorned with flowers and illuminated with lights. Additional notable festivals include Akshaya Tritiya, Makar Sankranti, and Annapurna Jayanti.

Annapurna Devi Mandir Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Visitors to the Annapurna Devi Mandir are expected to adhere to a conservative dress code, ensuring that their legs and shoulders are adequately covered. Men may opt for dhotis or long trousers paired with shirts, while women are encouraged to wear Sarees, Salwar Kameez, or other traditional attire that adequately covers their shoulders and legs. Western attire such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

Unlike the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Annapurna Devi Mandir is open to people of all religions, making it a welcoming site for tourists of various backgrounds to explore Hindu culture and spirituality.

Annapurna Devi Mandir Timings

Monday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM
Thursday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM
Friday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM
Saturday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM
Sunday: 4 AM - 11:30 AM & 7 PM - 11 PM

Annapurna Devi Mandir Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Annapurna Devi Mandir

The optimal period to explore the Annapurna Devi Mandir in Varanasi is from October to March, with peak visitor numbers generally seen between November and February. This season provides cool and agreeable temperatures, enhancing the overall experience, as the summer months can become excessively warm and the monsoon season may introduce considerable rainfall, potentially hindering outdoor activities and temple visits. Besides, participating in major Hindu festivals like Annakut Mahotsav and Navratri can be particularly rewarding, as the temple is exquisitely decorated and hosts special poojas and events.

How to Reach Annapurna Devi Mandir

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur is the nearest airport which is about 23 Km from Varanasi Junction. Also known as Varanasi Airport, it is well connected with flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Gaya. Varanasi Junction railway station is well connected by trains with Chhapra, Kanpur, Amritsar, Muzzafarpur, Jammu, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Indore, Tatanagar, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Patna, Kochi, Jaisalmer, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pune and Chennai. Varanasi is well connected with buses from Agra, Delhi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Lucknow. One can reach Annapurna Devi Mandir by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of the city of Varanasi.