Sri Annapoorna Mandir

The Annapurna Temple, dedicated to the goddess of food and abundance, was built in 1729 by Balaji Bajirao Peshwa and is located near the main Vishvanatha temple in Vishvanath lane. Annapurna, a form of Goddess Durga and the female energy of Shiva, is revered as the “Mother of the Three Worlds” who freely provides nourishment to all. According to legend, Parvati became Annapurna to restore her lost fair complexion by offering food in Varanasi, symbolizing sustenance and generosity. The temple features a tower and dome carved in Hindu style, with a small sanctum and large pillared porch built in Nagara architecture. It houses two idols of the goddess—one gold and one brass; the brass idol is available for daily worship, while the gold idol is shown only once a year on Annakuta day after Dipavali, drawing many devotees who await this rare darshan. The courtyard also contains images of Lakshmi, Bhudevi, Shani, and other deities, emphasizing the temple’s rich spiritual environment. Food is offered daily as prasada, and the current idol was consecrated in 1977. Managed by Dashnami Shaiva Paramhans Sannyasis under Annapurna math, the temple embodies the sacred tradition of annadana—giving food as a divine blessing.