Nestled in the ancient, spiritual heart of Varanasi, the Kashi Annapurna Temple stands as a timeless testament to devotion, sustenance, and divine compassion. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food and nourishment, this temple holds a revered place in Hindu tradition. Known as the “Queen of Kashi,” Annapurna Devi is believed to ensure that no one in this holy city ever goes hungry. This article explores the rich history, profound mythological significance, and precise location details of this sacred shrine.

History of the Kashi Annapurna Temple

The Kashi Annapurna Temple, as it stands today, was constructed in 1729 AD by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I, a prominent ruler known for his contributions to Hindu architecture and culture. Built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, the structure features a large pillared sanctum and intricate carvings that reflect the craftsmanship of the era. The temple houses two idols of Goddess Annapurna: a brass icon available for daily darshan (worship) and a golden idol, unveiled only once a year during the Annakoot festival, which follows Diwali.

While the current edifice dates back to the 18th century, the worship of Annapurna in Kashi is far older, with roots intertwined with the city’s ancient spiritual heritage. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its religious landscape evolved significantly over centuries. Historical shifts, including invasions and reconstructions, impacted many of Kashi’s temples. Although the Puranas do not explicitly mention Annapurna, they reference Bhavani Gauri—another form of Parvati—as a key deity alongside Lord Shiva (Vishweshwara). Over time, Annapurna emerged as a distinct and dominant figure, eclipsing earlier traditions of Bhavani Gauri worship in this region.

The temple’s establishment reflects a broader cultural reverence for food as a life-sustaining force, a value deeply embedded in India’s agrarian history. Its proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, underscores the eternal bond between Shiva and Parvati, often described as the “soulmates” of Kashi’s divine narrative.

Mythological Importance

The mythological significance of the Kashi Annapurna Temple is rooted in captivating tales that highlight the interplay between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Annapurna’s divine form. Two primary legends dominate Hindu lore about the temple’s origins.

In the first story, Parvati, in a playful yet profound act, closed all three of Shiva’s eyes to temper his rage—an act that plunged the universe into darkness. As a consequence, she lost her fair complexion (Gauri form) and sought Shiva’s aid to restore it. Shiva instructed her to distribute “anna” (food) in Kashi. Transforming into Annapurna, adorned with a golden ladle and pot, she began feeding the inhabitants of Varanasi. This act of nourishment is believed to continue daily, symbolizing her eternal presence as the provider of sustenance.

The second, more widely accepted tale centers on a debate between Shiva and Parvati. Shiva declared that the material world, including food, was an illusion (maya). Offended by this dismissal of her domain, Parvati vanished, withdrawing all nourishment from the earth. Famine ensued, afflicting gods, humans, and demons alike. Witnessing the suffering, Shiva relented and appeared in Kashi as a beggar, holding a bowl and seeking alms from Annapurna. Feeding him with her own hands, she made him acknowledge food’s indispensable role in existence. Shiva then vowed that Kashi would never know poverty or hunger under her care—a promise devotees believe holds true to this day.

These myths emphasize Annapurna’s role as the compassionate mother who sustains life, complementing Shiva’s ascetic nature. Her temple is a Shakti Peetha, a seat of divine feminine energy, and during Navratri, she is worshipped as Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga. The Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana extols her greatness, advising devotees to circumambulate her idol eight times daily—or 108 times during the Chaitra month—for prosperity and the removal of obstacles.

The Annakoot festival, celebrated with fervor, reenacts her benevolence. Devotees offer heaps of food, and special coins are distributed as blessings, believed to bring abundance to those who worship them. This enduring legacy underscores food’s sanctity in Hinduism and Annapurna’s pivotal role in spiritual and material well-being.

Location Details

The Kashi Annapurna Temple is strategically located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at D 9/1, Vishwanath Gali, just 15 meters northwest of the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This narrow lane, known as Vishwanath Gali, is a bustling artery in the city’s labyrinthine old quarter, leading devotees through a vibrant tapestry of shops and shrines. The temple lies approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station and 4.5 kilometers northeast of Banaras Hindu University, making it accessible yet deeply embedded in Kashi’s spiritual core.

Situated near Dashashwamedh Road, the temple is a short walk from the sacred Ganges River and key landmarks like Manikarnika Ghat (350 meters west) and Vishalakshi Temple (200 meters west). Its proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple enhances its prominence, as pilgrims typically visit both shrines in tandem. The temple’s Nagara-style architecture, with its towering spire and pillared porch, stands out amidst the crowded gali, offering a serene sanctuary amid Varanasi’s chaotic charm.

For visitors, the temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with free meals served to devotees—a tradition reflecting Annapurna’s promise of nourishment. The best time to visit is during the Annakoot festival or Diwali, though the crowds swell significantly then, drawing lakhs of pilgrims seeking her blessings.

The Kashi Annapurna Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a living symbol of divine compassion, sustenance, and the eternal bond between Shiva and Parvati. Its history reflects the resilience of Kashi’s spiritual heritage, while its myths celebrate the profound truth that life depends on nourishment—both physical and spiritual. Located in the heart of Varanasi, it beckons devotees and travelers alike to experience its sanctity, partake in its offerings, and witness the enduring grace of Goddess Annapurna, the nurturer of Kashi.

Ref: Grok AI