Annapurna Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Deities: Goddess Annapurna
Location: Varanasi
Built in: 18th Century
Built by: Peshwa Baji Rao-1
Best time to visit: October to March.
STD Code: 0542

Almost 3000 years old, Varanasi (also popularly known as Banaras or Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage centre for Hindus, who believe that those who are fortunate to die here attain salvation instantly.

Annapurna temple, built in the 18th century by Peshwa Baji Rao-I. The idol of Annapurna Bhavani a benevolent form of Shakti, is made in solid gold and carries a cooking pot that is why the Goddess Annapurna is looked upon as the provider of food and the sustainer of prosperity. There is also a striking silver-faced image of Shani (Saturn) within the temple. Shani is feared for his destructive powers and is propitiated to prevent any ill befalling the devout.

The name ‘Annapurna’ (Goddess of Food) means one who provides us with plentiful of food. The Goddess is believed to be the mother of all the three worlds, heaven, earth and hell and it is said that her devotees never suffer from starvation and want of food.

The present-day temple complex is situated near Vishvanath temple on the opposite side of the lane. In the temple’s court, there is a small sanctum with a large pillared porch housing an image of Goddess Annapurna, which had been established and consecrated in January 1977 by the famous Shankaracharya of Shringeri. It is said that the devotees of the Goddess never suffer from starvation.

Festival:
During the annual Annakuta festival, just after Diwali, mountains of fruits, sweets and cereals are laid out before the goddess and then distributed to the poor.

Other Attraction in Varanasi:
Ghats of Varanasi
Durga Temple
Bharat Mata Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple
New Vishwanath Temple
Manmandir
Bharat Kala Bhawan
Banaras Hindu University

How to reach:
by Air: It has daily flights to and from Babatpur airport, 22 km from Varanasi, connecting it to Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar.
by Rail: Well connected by trains to all the major cities in India, Varanasi is an important and major rail junction.
by Road: Varanasi is well-connected by smooth and good roads and national highways to the rest of the country.

Visit http://www.etirth.com/ for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit http://www.kathavarta.org/ for Religious stories.

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