In the sacred lanes of Kashi, just steps away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, stands Sri Annapurna Devi Temple Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the divine mother who nourishes the world. For devotees, a visit here is a reminder that food is not merely a necessity but a blessing to be respected and shared.
Whether you are planning temple darshan, attending an aarti or witnessing the famous golden idol during its annual opening, this guide covers what you should know before visiting.
About Sri Annapurna Devi Temple
Sri Annapurna Devi Temple, also known as Annapurna Bhavani Mandir, is one of the important Shakti shrines of Varanasi. It is located in Vishwanath Gali, close to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Dashashwamedh area.
Goddess Annapurna is worshipped as the provider of food, nourishment and abundance. The name comes from two Sanskrit words: Anna, meaning food, and Purna, meaning complete or full.
The temple is especially known for its tradition of Annadanam (offering food), its golden idol and the grand Annakut celebration.
History of Annapurna Devi Temple Varanasi
The present temple is associated with the Maratha period and the Peshwa patronage of Kashi. The Kashi district tourism portal attributes its construction to Balaji Bajirao Peshwa in 1729. Other tourism references mention a different year, so the exact construction date is not consistently reported.
Over generations, the temple has remained an important centre of worship for devotees seeking the blessings of Maa Annapurna. Its association with food, charity and the spiritual traditions of Kashi gives it a special place among the city’s temples.
Mythology Behind Goddess Annapurna
According to a popular Hindu legend, Lord Shiva once described the material world, including food, as Maya or illusion. Goddess Parvati wished to teach him that food is essential for sustaining life. She disappeared, and the world faced a shortage of nourishment.
Realising the importance of food, Lord Shiva approached her in Kashi. Goddess Parvati appeared as Maa Annapurna, carrying a golden vessel and a ladle, and began distributing food.
This story gives the temple its deeper message: spiritual wisdom and physical nourishment are both important. Devotees worship Maa Annapurna for the well-being of their families and pray that no one goes hungry.
Religious Significance and Ritual Traditions
Maa Annapurna is revered as a form of Goddess Parvati and the divine provider of nourishment. Devotees believe that her blessings bring food, prosperity and well-being into their homes.
One of the temple’s important traditions is Annadanam, the act of offering food to people. The temple trust also describes daily afternoon food service for devotees.
Offering food, praying for the welfare of others and respecting every grain are central ideas associated with Maa Annapurna’s worship.
Temple Architecture and the Golden Idol
The temple features traditional Hindu architectural elements, including a decorated tower, a dome and a pillared porch associated with Nagara-style architecture. Its compact shrine and surrounding lanes reflect the historic character of old Kashi.
The temple is particularly famous for its two forms of the Goddess: a regular idol and a special golden idol. The golden idol is traditionally opened for public darshan during a limited annual period around Dhanteras and Annakut.
This rare opportunity attracts devotees from different parts of India who come to seek the blessings of the golden form of Maa Annapurna.
Darshan Timings and Aarti Schedule
Planning your visit around temple hours and aarti timings can make your darshan easier. Published schedules differ, so treat the following information as a guide rather than a guaranteed daily timetable.
Temple Opening Hours
- Temple trust website: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Kashi district portal: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
Aarti Timings
The temple trust lists worship and aarti services during the early morning, 12:00 noon, 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM. It does not provide a detailed, consistently updated timetable for every ritual on its general information page.
Important: Timings may change during festivals, special occasions and temple events. Confirm the current darshan and aarti schedule with the temple before travelling.
Special Pooja and Booking Information
Devotees can enquire about special worship services through the Sri Annapurna Mandir Charitable Trust. Its published pooja schemes include:
- Maa Annapurna Abhishek
- Maa Annapurna Alankar
- Shodas Puja
- Kumkum Pooja
- Special Pooja Alankar
Available services, charges and booking arrangements may change. Contact the trust directly or visit its official website for current details.
Temple Trust Contact: +91-542-239-2619
Check official pooja schemes | Visit the temple trust website
Annual Shringar, Annakut and Special Occasions
The temple celebrates several occasions with special decorations and worship. Two important annual traditions are especially worth knowing about.
Haryali Shringar
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the temple has traditionally organised Haryali Shringar. The temple premises and the Goddess’s sanctum are decorated with green leaves, flowers, garlands and seasonal arrangements. It offers devotees a beautiful opportunity to witness the festive decoration of Maa Annapurna.
Dhanteras and Golden Idol Darshan
One of the most awaited occasions is the annual opening of the golden idol for public darshan around Dhanteras and Annakut. Devotees also receive traditional prasad such as coins and lava during the Dhanteras observance.
Annakut Mahotsav
Annakut is celebrated after Diwali. A grand offering of food, sweets, fruits and other dishes is arranged before Maa Annapurna. The temple trust’s 2026 announcement states that the golden idol darshan is scheduled from 6 to 10 November 2026, with Annakut on 10 November. Festival dates and arrangements should always be checked against the latest temple announcement.
Places to Visit Near Annapurna Devi Temple
Because the temple is located in the heart of old Varanasi, you can explore several important attractions during the same visit.
1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, this temple is located very close to Annapurna Mandir. Many pilgrims visit both shrines as part of their Kashi darshan.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
The corridor connects the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area with the Ganga riverfront. Explore its spacious pathways, temple surroundings and visitor facilities.
3. Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of Varanasi’s best-known ghats, Dashashwamedh is famous for its evening Ganga Aarti. It is a popular place to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the Ganga.
4. Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika is among the most sacred cremation ghats in Varanasi. Visitors should maintain silence and respect the religious customs and privacy of families performing last rites.
5. Kal Bhairav Temple
Dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav, traditionally regarded as the guardian of Kashi, this temple is another important stop for devotees exploring the city’s sacred places.
How to Reach Sri Annapurna Devi Temple
The temple is situated at D 9/1, Vishwanath Gali, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- By Air: Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi. From there, hire a taxi or cab towards the Godowlia area.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction and Banaras railway stations connect the city with major Indian destinations. Continue by taxi, auto-rickshaw or other local transport.
- By Road: Varanasi is connected to nearby cities by road. Local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws can take you towards Godowlia.
Local travel tip: Vehicles may not reach the temple entrance because of the narrow lanes and pedestrian restrictions in the old city. Get down at an accessible point and walk through Vishwanath Gali to reach the temple.
Best Time to Visit Annapurna Devi Temple
October to March is generally a comfortable period to explore Varanasi because the weather is relatively pleasant. However, the best time depends on the experience you want.
- For comfortable sightseeing: October to March.
- For special festive darshan: Dhanteras and Annakut, subject to the annual schedule.
- For Haryali Shringar: Raksha Bandhan, when the temple may organise special decorations.
- For Navratri: The Goddess is also worshipped as Mahagauri on the eighth day in the Nav Durga tradition of Kashi.
Festival days can attract large crowds, so plan extra time for darshan and local travel.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: A famous Ganga ghat associated with the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Manikarnika Ghat: A sacred and historically significant cremation ghat.
- Annapurna Temple: A revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Annapurna.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple: A major shrine associated with the traditional belief that Kaal Bhairav is the guardian of Kashi.
- Assi Ghat: A popular riverfront area for morning visits, walks and cultural experiences.
Plan your route according to opening hours, walking distance and crowd conditions. If possible, leave enough time to experience the ghats instead of rushing between attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Sri Annapurna Devi Temple located?
The temple is located in Vishwanath Gali, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
2. What is Goddess Annapurna famous for?
Goddess Annapurna is worshipped as the divine provider of food, nourishment and abundance. Her name represents the idea of complete nourishment.
3. What are the darshan timings of Annapurna Temple?
The temple trust lists opening hours from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while the Kashi district portal lists 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Confirm the current timings before visiting.
4. When can devotees see the golden idol of Maa Annapurna?
The golden idol is traditionally available for public darshan during a limited period around Dhanteras and Annakut. The dates are announced for each year.
5. Is Annadanam available at Annapurna Temple?
The temple trust describes a daily afternoon Annadanam service. Confirm the current arrangements and timings with the trust before your visit.
6. Can I book special pooja at Annapurna Temple?
The temple trust publishes different pooja schemes. Contact the trust or check its official website for current services, charges and booking arrangements.
Plan Your Visit to Maa Annapurna Temple
A visit to Sri Annapurna Devi Temple is more than a stop on a temple tour. It is an opportunity to understand the importance of food, gratitude and sharing in the spiritual life of Kashi.
Combine your darshan with nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga ghats to experience the sacred character of Varanasi. Before you leave, remember the message of Maa Annapurna: respect food, share what you can and pray that no one goes hungry.
Jai Maa Annapurna! 🙏
