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Uttar Pradesh Annapurna Temple Varanasi
Location of this temple is Vishwanath Street in Varanasi district of India. Presiding deity of this temple is goddess Annapurna who is considered the goddess of food. The words Annapurna is constituted by two words, Anna (Food) and Purna (Complete). Maa Annapurna is the incarnation of Maa Parvati. Idol of the deity is made of gold and established in the temple. Goddess Annapurna is very kind hearted and always ensure prosperity and well being of her worshippers. She is also considered as savior of Kashi from draughts and excessive flood which ultimately results in loss of food grains. Maa Annapurna is also considered as savior of the Kashi as Lord Shiva is with her. In this temple the lunch is distributed to all the devotees, weaker sections of the society, old aged persons and disabled person daily as “Prasad”.
History
It is evident from religious books that once Lord Shiv said that the mankind on earth is badly jumbled up in the Food procuring and consuming. Goddess Parvati, who is the Goddess of Food, swiped all the food materials from earth and this act resulted in a great disturbance on earth. Finally to see the grief of her devotees, Maa Parvati landed on earth and established a divine kitchen in Varanasi. She supplied the food to everywhere and then Lord Shiv agreed upon the fact that food is the most important material on earth to perform all type of religious activities. According to another myth regarding this temple, once Lord Shiv closed his three eyes and for him the entire universe became darker. He even could not look the Gaur Rupa of Maa Parvati. Goddess Parvati asked him what to do to regain her Gauri Rupa. Lord Shiv advised her to make Anna Daan in Varanasi. She did so and regained her Gauri Rupa. Since then the tradition of Anna Daan in Kashi was started. This is devotion towards Maa Parvati. It is also considered that Maa Annapurna did not eat anything till all the devotees had fed fully.
Festivals
Mahashivaratri and Annacoota Mahotsava are celebrated in this temple as a major festival. It is believed that on the occasion of Annacoot mahotsav, who worship the coins given to pores, Maa Annapurna bless him/her with prosperity and happiness.
How to Reach
Annapurna temple can be visited by three means of conveyances in vogue.
By Air
Varanasi is the nearest airport located just at 7 kilometers from this temple. Road conveyances are frequently available.
By Rail
Nearest railway station to reach this temple is Varanasi located at 6 kilometers from this temple and connected with auto rickshaw service.
By Road
Varanasi city is well connected with various state highways and national highways with other neighboring cities of the country. From city bus terminus various buses and private taxies/auto rickshaws are available to reach this temple as the same is located in the city itself.
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